SRSport Rules
Cricket

The follow-on is an option, not an automatic rule.

In a two-innings cricket match, a team that builds a big enough first-innings lead can make the other side bat again straight away. That is called enforcing the follow-on.

Quick ruling: the side batting first may enforce the follow-on only after taking a large enough first-innings lead. The captain must tell the opposing captain and the umpires, and once that notice is given the decision cannot be changed.
Decision path

How the follow-on is checked

  1. Confirm the match is a two-innings match. Ordinary one-innings formats do not use the follow-on.
  2. Confirm which side batted first and whether both first innings are complete.
  3. Compare the first-innings scores and calculate the lead held by the side that batted first.
  4. Apply the required lead for the scheduled length of the match, adjusted only where the first day's play rule applies.
  5. If the lead is enough, the captain of the leading side may require the other side to bat again immediately.
Required lead

How big the lead must be

  • Five days or more: at least 200 runs.
  • Three or four days: at least 150 runs.
  • Two days: at least 100 runs.
  • One day: at least 75 runs, where the match is still a two-innings match.
What it means

What changes in the match

Without a follow-on, the normal order is that the teams bat alternately. When the follow-on is enforced, the team that batted second in the match bats again for its second innings before the leading side begins its own second innings.

The follow-on does not end the match and does not guarantee a result. The team following on can still save the match or, in rare cases, build a lead and win.

Captain's choice

Who decides it

The umpires do not force the follow-on just because the numbers qualify. They confirm that the Law allows it, but the choice belongs to the captain of the side that batted first and holds the qualifying lead.

The captain must notify the opposing captain and the umpires. Once that notice is given, the decision is final.

Lost first day

When a day is washed out

If no play takes place on the first day of a match scheduled for more than one day, the lead requirement is based on the number of days remaining from the start of play. The day on which play first begins counts as a whole day for this purpose, even if play starts late.

This exception is narrow. Ordinary rain interruptions after play has started do not automatically reduce the follow-on target.

Common argument

"They led by 200, so they had to enforce it"

No. A qualifying lead only gives the option. Captains often choose based on time left, pitch wear, bowler workload, weather, and the risk of batting last. The Laws set when the option exists; tactics decide whether it is used.