Have you ever heard commentators mention the "follow-on" during a match and wondered what it really means? Let’s break it down! 

In Test cricket, the follow-on is a rule that allows the team that batted second to be asked to bat again, rather than going out to field again.  

This can happen if the team batting first has a significant lead over the team that batted second. 

The follow-on rule comes into play when the team that batted second scores 200 or more runs less than the team that batted first. 

For example: – Team A scores 450 runs. – Team B scores 240 runs. Here, Team A can ask Team B to follow on, meaning they have to bat again instead of fielding.

The follow-on is a strategic decision. The leading team may want to: 1. Force a result - By asking the team to follow on, they might aim to get them out cheaply in the second innings and win the match.

Exhaust the opposition - Batting twice in a short span can tire the opposing players. Take advantage of favorable conditions - Sometimes, the pitch might offer more assistance to the bowlers, which could help in dismissing the opposition again quickly.