What if India fails to chase 246 against Australia at Gabba? Here’s what the follow-on rule means
On Day 4 of the third Test against Australia, India went to lunch needing 79 more runs to avoid the follow-on. Ravindra Jadeja (41) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (7) were at the crease. With rain disrupting play, the importance of reaching 246 runs became clear. India was still 278 runs behind Australia’s 445, but why was the focus on the 79-run mark? The answer lies in the follow-on rule.
According to MCC Law 14.1.1, if a team trails by 200 or more runs, the leading team can ask the trailing side to follow on. In simple terms, if India doesn’t score 246, Australia can ask them to bat again. If Australia bowls India out, they would win by an innings, effectively ending India’s chances of winning the match. Therefore, getting to 246 is crucial for India to avoid this scenario and keep the match alive.
While the follow-on rule has become less common in modern cricket, it remains important in Test matches, where time is a key factor. If India can avoid the follow-on, they will force Australia to bat again, buying more time and giving India a chance to fight back.
Before lunch, Australia made a key breakthrough. Steve Smith took a brilliant one-handed catch off Nathan Lyon to dismiss KL Rahul for 84, ending a 67-run partnership between Rahul and Jadeja. This wicket was crucial, but it also provided Smith with some relief after he had dropped a catch earlier in the morning.
Adding to Australia’s troubles, paceman Josh Hazlewood suffered a calf injury. He bowled just one over before being sent for scans, weakening the Australian attack. Despite this, India still faced a tough challenge to avoid the follow-on and stay in the game. If they can reach 246, they would not only survive the follow-on but also gain the chance to reset and fight for a result.
