Cricket Follow-On Calculator
Determine if a team in Test cricket must follow on based on the first innings scores and standard follow-on deficit thresholds.
Reviewed October 7, 2026 Runs in your browser — inputs are never stored
This tool provides general sports and fitness estimates for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice — consult a physician before starting or intensifying training, especially if you have a cardiovascular condition.
About the Cricket Follow-On Calculator
The cricket follow-on calculator checks whether the side batting first can enforce the follow-on. In a five-day Test, if the side batting second finishes its first innings at least 200 runs behind, the leading side may make it bat again immediately (Law 14). The margin is shorter in shorter first-class matches.
How to use it
- 1Enter the first-innings score of the side that batted first.
- 2Enter the first-innings score of the side batting second.
- 3Press Check to see the deficit and whether the follow-on is available.
Worked example
Team A scores 450 and Team B replies with 230. The deficit is 220 runs, so Team A may enforce the follow-on.
How it works
Follow-On Rule
In a 5-day Test match, the team with a 200+ run lead may enforce the follow-on, requiring the trailing team to bat again immediately.
Common use cases
- Following live Test matches
- Understanding captaincy decisions
- Learning the Laws of Cricket
Frequently asked questions
A:A follow-on occurs when the team batting second is behind by a set number of runs and is asked to bat again immediately.
A:In a 5-day Test, the follow-on threshold is 200 runs (150 for 3-day matches, 100 for 2-day matches).
A:Yes — the follow-on is optional for the team with the lead. They may choose to bat again first.
A:The follow-on rule was part of cricket's early laws and has evolved; the 200-run threshold was standardized in the 20th century.
A:Yes — the most famous example is England's "Headingley Miracle" in 1981 when they won after following on.
Reviewed for accuracy · Last updated October 7, 2026
Formulas follow published sports-science literature and official league definitions (Karvonen heart rate reserve, Cooper and Bruce protocols, MET compendium values, and standard baseball, cricket, and basketball statistics).
CalcWisee Editorial Team
Calculator development and formula review
CalcWisee is an independent site founded by Ayman. Every calculator is built from a published formula or official definition, tested against hand-worked examples before it goes live, and corrected promptly when a reader reports an issue to ayman@calcwisee.com.
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