Rishabh and Ravindra Jadeja pants. (Photo credit – X)
NEW DELHI: India found themselves in a tough position, trailing by 310 runs with just five wickets in hand (164/5) at the end of the second day against Australia (474) in the Boxing Day Test on Friday .
India still need 111 more to avoid the follow-on – a scenario that seemed unlikely on such a placid batting track.
Washington Sundar sur l’épuisement de Virat Kohli-Yashasvi Jaiswal
The unbeaten duo of Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja face the critical task of negotiating the morning session. Their survival is vital to prevent India from falling into dire straits.
As per Article 14.1.1 of the MCC Laws of Cricket, in a match of two innings of 5 days or more, the team which bats first and leads by at least 200 runs shall have the opportunity to demand that the The other team follows its innings.
Australia accumulated an impressive total of 474 runs in their first innings. If India were dismissed for a score of 274 or less, the home team could potentially force the follow-on. However, if India reaches 275, Australia will lose the right to enforce the follow-on and will have to bat in the second innings.
The follow-on rule is basically used to enforce a team’s second innings batting immediately after their first innings in Test cricket if they fail to score a minimum threshold compared to the opponent’s first innings total .
TRACKING RULE
This rule is governed by Law 14 of MCC Laws of Cricket:
14.1 Leading from the first round
14.1.1 In a match of two innings of 5 days or more, the team which bats first and leads by at least 200 runs will have the opportunity to demand that the other team follow its innings.
14.1.2 The same option will be available in matches of two sets of shorter duration with the following minimum leads:
– 150 runs in a 3 or 4 day match
– 100 runs in a 2 day match
– 75 runs in a one-day match
14.2 Notification
A captain must inform the opposing captain and the referees of his intention to use this option. Once notified, the decision cannot be modified.
By applying follow-through, Team A forces Team B to immediately throw their second inning, skipping Team A’s second inning. This strategy is often used when time is limited or when the field deteriorates, giving The team has a better chance of winning.
The decision to apply tracking rests solely with the defensive captain, making it a strategic choice based on match conditions.
