India vs Australia 3rd Test Match: Follow-on Rules and Why Australia Might Not Enforce It

The India vs Australia 3rd Test match has reached a crucial stage, with India struggling to avoid a follow-on at the Gabba in Brisbane. With rain interruptions affecting the match, India needs to score at least 246 runs to avoid a follow-on. But what exactly is a follow-on, and why might Australia choose not to enforce it?

What is a Follow-on in Cricket?

A follow-on is a tactic used in Test cricket where a team can force the opposing team to bat again immediately after their first innings. This can only be done once three innings have been completed, and the team batting first must have a significant lead. The decision to enforce a follow-on is made by the captain of the team batting first.

Minimum Lead Required for a Follow-on

The minimum lead required to enforce a follow-on varies depending on the match’s length. For five-day Tests like the ongoing India vs Australia series, a team needs a 200-run lead. In domestic First-Class cricket, the requirement is 150 runs, while in shorter matches, a lead of 100 runs is needed for two-day games, and 75 for one-day matches.

Why Australia Might Not Enforce a Follow-on

With only one day remaining in the Brisbane Test, enforcing a follow-on might not be the best decision for Australia. The match has been disrupted by rain, and enforcing a follow-on could lead to a drawn match. Instead, Australia might choose to bat for one session and set a target for India to chase.

India’s Past Experiences with Follow-ons

India has had mixed experiences with follow-ons in the past. The last time India faced a follow-on was in 2011 against England at the Oval, which resulted in a 4-0 series defeat for India. However, India has also come back strongly after facing a follow-on, as seen in the 2001 Test match against Australia at Eden Gardens, which India won by 171 runs.

Stay tuned for live cricket score and updates from the India vs Australia 3rd Test match at the Gabba in Brisbane.