Follow-on facts for kids

A follow-on is a special rule in the game of cricket. It happens when one team has scored a lot more runs than the other team. If the leading team decides to "enforce the follow-on," it means the team with fewer runs has to bat again right away, without the leading team batting first in their next turn. This can help the leading team win the game faster.

What is a Follow-On in Cricket?

A follow-on is a unique situation in cricket matches that last for several days, like Test cricket or first-class matches. Normally, teams take turns batting. Team A bats, then Team B bats, then Team A bats again, and so on. But if one team gets a really big lead in runs, they can make the other team bat twice in a row. This is called enforcing the follow-on.

Understanding Cricket Basics

To understand the follow-on, it helps to know a few basic things about cricket:

• Teams: Two teams play against each other.
• Runs: Teams score points called "runs" by hitting the ball and running between wickets.
• Innings: An "innings" is a period when one team bats until all their players are out (or they declare their innings closed). Each team usually gets to bat twice in a multi-day match.
• Winning: To win, a team needs to score more runs than the other team and get all their opponents out in their final innings.

When Does a Follow-On Happen?

A follow-on can only happen if there's a big difference in scores after both teams have completed their first innings. The team batting first must have a significant lead over the team batting second. The exact number of runs needed for this lead depends on how many days the match is scheduled for:

• For a five-day match (like Test cricket), the leading team needs to be at least 200 runs ahead.
• For a three or four-day match, the lead needs to be 150 runs.
• For a two-day match, it's 100 runs.
• For a one-day match, it's 75 runs.

How Does a Follow-On Work?

Let's imagine Team A bats first and scores 500 runs. Then Team B bats and only scores 250 runs. Team A now has a lead of 250 runs (500 - 250). Since this lead is more than 200 runs in a five-day match, Team A has the option to enforce the follow-on.

If Team A decides to enforce it: 1. Team B, after being bowled out for 250 runs, has to bat again immediately. They don't get a break or wait for Team A to bat again. 2. Team B tries to score enough runs to pass Team A's total and set a target for Team A to chase. 3. If Team B gets out again without reaching Team A's first innings score, or if they do reach it but then get bowled out, Team A will then bat their second innings.

Why Do Teams Enforce a Follow-On?

Teams enforce a follow-on for a few important reasons:

• Saving Time: It saves time in a multi-day match. If the leading team bats again, it takes up valuable playing time. By making the other team bat twice in a row, the leading team hopes to finish the game quicker.
• Winning Strategy: It puts a lot of pressure on the trailing team. They have to bat again when they might be tired or feeling down after their first poor performance. This increases the chances of getting them out quickly a second time.
• Avoiding a Draw: In multi-day cricket, games can end in a draw if there isn't enough time to get all the opponents out. Enforcing the follow-on gives the leading team more time to take all the wickets needed to win.

However, sometimes a team might choose not to enforce the follow-on. This could be because their bowlers are tired, or they want to score even more runs to make sure they have a very safe lead. It's a big strategic decision for the team captain.