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How Many Runs India Need To Avoid The Follow-On In MCG Test?

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Rohit Sharma and Pat Cummins [Source: AP Photos]Rohit Sharma and Pat Cummins [Source: AP Photos]

India have walked out to bat in their first innings of the Boxing Day Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. This is after Australia have put them on the back foot with brilliant batting in their first innings.

Australia won the toss and opted to bat first. The stage was set for the home team by their debutant opening batter, Sam Konstas. The 19-year-old batter scored a brilliant half-century at a brisk rate and laid a strong foundation. 

After the dismissal of Konstas, Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja further strengthened the the hold of the home team on the game with resolute half centuries. This was followed by Steve Smith who scored a stellar 140 and ensured that Australia reached near 500 in their first innings.  Ultimately, Australia were bundled out for 474 runs.

What Is Follow-On?

The follow-on rule is applicable only for Test cricket. The rule comes into play when the team batting second in a Test match fails to narrow the gap between their total and opposition's total below 200 runs. In that case, the team with more runs can ask the other team bat again in the match. 

How Many Runs India Needs To Avoid The Follow-on In MCG Test?

The Indian team have a mountain of 474 runs to climb. With the score board pressure on the visitors, the question that comes to mind is how many runs does India need to avoid the follow-on in this match. Well in order to make Australia bat again in this match, i.e. to avoid the follow India need to scored 275 runs.