In Test and first‑class cricket, a team avoids the follow‑on by getting close enough to the first‑innings total that the opposition’s lead is less than the follow‑on margin.

Basic rule

  • In a 5‑day Test, the team batting first must lead by at least 200 runs to be able to enforce the follow‑on.
  • So the side batting second needs to get to (first‑innings total − 200 + 1) to be completely safe from the follow‑on.
  • Example: If Team A scores 500, Team B must score 301 or more to avoid follow‑on.

Different match lengths

The required lead changes with the scheduled duration of the match.

  • 5‑day match (Tests): follow‑on available if lead ≥ 200, so second team must get within 199 runs or better.
  • 3–4‑day match: lead ≥ 150 needed, so second team must get within 149 runs or better.
  • 2‑day match: lead ≥ 100 needed, so second team must get within 99 runs or better.
  • 1‑day first‑class match: lead ≥ 75 needed, so second team must get within 74 runs or better.

Simple way to remember

  • Take the first‑innings score of Team 1.
  • Subtract the follow‑on margin for that match (200, 150, 100, or 75).
  • Add 1: that total is what Team 2 must score to avoid the follow‑on.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.