Cricket Follow-On Calculator (MCC Law 14 lead: 200, 150, 100, 75 runs)

Understanding the cricket follow-on calculator — concept and principle

In a multi-day cricket match, the side batting first may make the opposition bat again immediately if it has a large first-innings lead. This is called enforcing the follow-on. This calculator applies MCC Law 14 to tell you whether the follow-on can be enforced, what lead is required, what score avoids it and how many runs the batting side still needs.

How it is calculated

Days counted = scheduled days − whole days lost before play began

Required lead: 200 runs (5+ days), 150 (3 or 4 days), 100 (2 days), 75 (1 day)

Lead = first score − second score

Score that avoids the follow-on = first score − required lead + 1

Runs still needed = that score − current second score (minimum 0)

• Scores are whole runs; the follow-on can be enforced if the lead is at least the required figure.

The principle

The follow-on exists to help the stronger side force a result in limited time. If a team is far behind after the first innings, making it bat again straight away saves the leading side from having to bat a second time and gives it more time to bowl the opposition out twice. Shorter matches need a smaller lead to qualify because there is less time available. If no play is possible on the first day, Law 14.3 counts the match length from the day play actually starts.

Worked example

Default inputs: 5-day match, no days lost, first innings 452, other side 238.

1. Days counted = 5 − 0 = 5, so the lead needed is 200.
2. Lead = 452 − 238 = 214.
3. 214 ≥ 200, so the follow-on can be enforced: yes.
4. Score that avoids it = 452 − 200 + 1 = 253.
5. Runs still needed = 253 − 238 = 15.

How to read the result

"Yes" means the captain may enforce the follow-on; it is never compulsory. Captains sometimes decline, for example to rest tired bowlers or to bat while the pitch is still good. For the batting side, the "runs still needed" figure is a common target during a long innings, often announced on broadcasts.

Common mistakes

• Thinking the follow-on is automatic; the captain decides.
• Using 200 runs for a four-day match; the Laws set 150.
• Counting a day lost after play has begun; only whole days lost before the start reduce the match length.

Frequently asked questions

What lead is needed to enforce the follow-on in a Test?

At least 200 runs in a match of five days or more.

Can the follow-on be enforced in limited-overs cricket?

No. It applies to two-innings matches.

Does a tie on the lead count?

The lead must be at least the required number, so a lead exactly equal to it qualifies.

Why might a captain not enforce it?

To rest bowlers, to bat in better conditions or to set a target with less risk.

Sources: MCC, The Laws of Cricket (2017 Code, 3rd ed. 2022), Law 14 "The follow-on"