5 reasons why captains are reluctant to enforce the follow-on

Cook’s decision to not enforce the follow-on created quite a buzz in the cricketing circles

To avoid pressure in the fourth innings

england cricket

The pitch starts deteriorating from the word go in a 5-day test match and is at the peak of its deterioration in the last; generally the fourth innings played on an average 4th or 5th Day.

The bounce becomes variable and unpredictable, the ball spins and misbehaves the most. With decent bowling attack, even 200 becomes a tricky target to chase in the fourth innings on a worsening pitch.

This adds to the pressure of the team batting last. After all, you are just a few misbehaving deliveries away from making inroads. Traditionally, the pressure has accounted to brain fade, irrational tactics, false shots, and inexplicable decisions even.

Nobody wants to be in that situation. Even those who opt to bowl first in a test match after winning the toss don’t want to be in that situation. Teams want to bat on the pitch that is still good for batting and fourth innings is definitely not that time.

Thus, whenever possible, to avoid pressure in the fourth innings, teams do not enforce the follow-on, but bat instead to get the pitch in worst possible condition to bowl the opposition out.

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