Cricket, like all other sports, unites people worldwide. It has the power to keep people glued to their screens for hours. And when it has such a wide reach and influence, it’s important that it stays updated with the latest trends. Follow-on is one of the key, but optional, rules of cricket and has seen more debates than usual lately. Let’s find out the recent changes pertaining to the same and how they affect the game and its thrill.
What is the Follow-on Rule?
A follow-on is a provision that can happen only in formats where each time can bat twice normally. By applying this, the team batting first can ask the other to bat again immediately after their innings is over. In simple words, if team B in second innings scores less runs than required, then team A can impose the follow-on on team B, making them to bat again in the third innings right after. Typically, Team A would bat in the third innings, but with follow-on’s twist and the inferior team must bat again. Team A makes use of this tactic when they know they’re leading the game and want to move faster towards victory.
The captain of team A decides whether or not to impose the rule, considering many factors. These could be either or all of the score, both sides’ strength, weather, pitch and the remaining time.
What makes it stand apart?
Follow-on isn’t just another rule. It requires a lot of strategic planning and test’s a team’s sturdiness. It is a way to put pressure on the other team. But it is not as easy as it looks. Deciding whether or not to enforce the rule is crucial. The captain of the deciding team has to consider the above mentioned factors, along with his own team’s bowling and energy. Team A would ideally opt for the follow-on to fasten the result by tiring out the opposition team, given the other factors are also in favour.
What is the minimum lead required to enforce Follow-on?
Different match formats require different run leads for the leading team to decide Follow-on enforcement. For 5-day Tests, a team would require a lead of at least 200 runs. In domestic first class like the Ranji trophy, the lead required is reduced to a minimum 150 runs. Shorter matches require a lead of 100 runs for two-day games, and 75 for one-day matches.
Why do some teams not opt for the Follow-on?
While Team A could impose the follow-on on team B to build pressure, they could still opt out of it. Why? Because strategy does not only mean tiring out the opponent. Sometimes, Team A’s own bowlers could be out of energy after bowling for an entire innings. In such a case, it would be wise to consider their fatigue over advantage.
Secondly, the pitch deteriorates as the match progresses. By imposing the rule, team A is making itself to bat in the 4th innings. This could come to their own disadvantage and so, it would be better to let go of the advantage.
Then, when team B is already lagging behind, team A can build pressure by batting in third innings and raising the bar higher.
Also, victory isn;t promised even if the rule is imposed. There have been occasions in the past where team A has lost after the imposition. One classic example is the 2001 Test Match between India and Australia where Australia batted first and scored 400 runs. India could manage only 171 runs, less than the required minimum 200 runs lead. Australia imposed the Follow-on then with a lead of 229 runs but dramatically lost the match later.
Conclusion
The follow-on is one of the most interesting aspects of cricket. It gives the leading team a benefit of additionally building pressure on the opposing team. It requires a lot of strategic planning as the decision gone wrong can make the lead go down the lane. History has many examples of both wins and losses by imposing the follow-on. So, a captain must decide wisely whether to take the advantage or let it go. Afterall, your own team’s strength and energy comes first. Though, tables can turn any minute, whether or not the rule is imposed.
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