Explained: How many runs do India need to avoid follow-on in Boxing Day Test at MCG | Cricket News
NEW DELHI: India found themselves in a challenging position, trailing by 230 runs with only three wickets in hand (244 for 7) at lunch on Day 3 against Australia (474) in the Boxing Day Test.
India still need 111 more to avoid the follow-on — a scenario that seemed unlikely on such a placid batting track.
The unbeaten pair of Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja face the critical task of negotiating the morning session. Their survival at the crease is vital to prevent India from falling into a difficult situation.
As per article 14.1.1 of MCC’s laws of cricket, in a two-innings match of 5 days or more, the side which bats first and leads by at least 200 runs shall have the option of requiring the other side to follow their innings.
Australia amassed an impressive total of 474 runs in their first innings. Should India be dismissed for a score of 274 or below, the home side could potentially enforce the follow-on. However, if India reach 275 runs, Australia will lose the right to enforce the follow-on and will have to bat in the second innings.
The follow-on rule is basically used to enforce a batting team’s second innings immediately after their first innings in Test cricket if they fail to score a minimum threshold in comparison to the opponent’s first innings total.
FOLLOW-ON RULE
This rule is governed by Law 14 of the MCC Laws of Cricket:
14.1 Lead on first innings
14.1.1 In a two-innings match of 5 days or more, the side which bats first and leads by at least 200 runs shall have the option of requiring the other side to follow their innings.
14.1.2 The same option shall be available in two-innings matches of shorter duration with the minimum leads as follows:
– 150 runs in a match of 3 or 4 days
– 100 runs in a 2-day match
– 75 runs in a 1-day match
14.2 Notification
A captain shall notify the opposing captain and the umpires of his/her intention to take up this option. Once notified, the decision cannot be changed.
By enforcing the follow-on, Team A makes Team B bat their second innings immediately, skipping Team A’s second innings. This strategy is often employed when time is limited or when the pitch is deteriorating, giving Team A a better chance of winning.
The decision to enforce the follow-on rests solely with the fielding captain, making it a strategic choice based on match conditions.
