What is the follow-on rule in cricket?

In a two-innings match, the team batting first may ask the other team to bat again immediately if the first-innings lead reaches the required threshold for that match length.

How many runs are needed to enforce the follow-on in a five-day Test?

In a five-day or longer match, the team batting first needs a first-innings lead of at least 200 runs to have the option to enforce the follow-on.

Is the follow-on automatic?

No. If the required lead is reached, the captain of the side that batted first has the option to enforce the follow-on, but does not have to.

Free cricket tool

Follow-on Calculator

Check whether the team batting first has enough first-innings lead to enforce the follow-on in 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, 4-day and 5-day cricket matches.

5-day: 200 runs 3/4-day: 150 runs 2-day: 100 runs 1-day: 75 runs

Follow-on verdict

Yes

With a 250-run first-innings lead in a 5-day match, the team batting first has the option to enforce the follow-on.

Lead250

Needed200

Calculator

Check follow-on eligibility

Enter both first-innings scores and select the scheduled match length.

Team batting first score Team batting second score Match length

Follow-on thresholds

The required lead changes with the scheduled length of the two-innings match.

5 daysLead of 200 runs or more.

4 daysLead of 150 runs or more.

3 daysLead of 150 runs or more.

2 daysLead of 100 runs or more.

1 dayLead of 75 runs or more.

What does follow-on mean?

In a two-innings match, the usual innings order is Team A, Team B, Team A, Team B. If Team A leads by enough runs after the first innings, Team A can ask Team B to bat again immediately.

That is called enforcing the follow-on. It is usually used when the leading team wants to push for a result and save time in the match.

Important captaincy note

Reaching the follow-on threshold does not automatically force the other team to bat again. It gives the team batting first the option. The captain may still decide to bat again depending on pitch, weather, bowler workload and time remaining.

Quick follow-on examples

Use these common match situations to understand the result before you calculate.

5-day Test450 vs 249Lead is 201. Follow-on can be enforced.

4-day match360 vs 210Lead is 150. Follow-on can be enforced.

2-day match260 vs 165Lead is 95. Follow-on cannot be enforced.

1-day two-innings170 vs 95Lead is 75. Follow-on can be enforced.

Follow-on calculator FAQs

Simple answers for players, scorers, coaches, parents and club admins.

How is follow-on calculated?

Subtract the team batting second's first-innings score from the team batting first's score. Then compare the lead with the required threshold for the match length.

How many runs are needed in a 5-day match?

A lead of 200 runs or more is needed in a five-day or longer match.

How many runs are needed in a 4-day or 3-day match?

A lead of 150 runs or more is needed in a three-day or four-day match.

How many runs are needed in a 2-day match?

A lead of 100 runs or more is needed in a two-day match.

How many runs are needed in a 1-day two-innings match?

A lead of 75 runs or more is needed in a one-day two-innings match.

Is enforcing the follow-on compulsory?

No. It is a tactical option for the team batting first, not an automatic requirement.