Follow-On in Cricket

The follow-on in cricket is a rule in Test and first-class matches that allows the team batting first to make the opposition bat again immediately if they trail by a large margin after the first innings.

Enforcing the follow-on is optional and depends on match conditions, pitch behavior, and bowler workload. Captains may choose to bat again instead of enforcing it, even when eligible.

• Test matches (5 days): follow-on possible with a 200-run lead
• First-class matches (3–4 days): minimum 150-run lead
• Applies only to: Test & first-class cricket