Enforcing the follow-on.

If the side batting second in a five-day match scores 200 or more runs fewer than the side batting first, the captain of the side batting first may elect to enforce the follow-on, forcing the opposition to bat its second innings immediately and saving his side's own second innings until after, if required.

Enforcing the follow-on allows the side with the lead to potentially win the game without having to bat its second innings. If it does need to bat again, it will know how many runs are needed, and the captain will not face the decision of when to declare his side's final innings in order to provide the best chance of winning. This can save time in a game, which is important if time is beginning to run out. In terms of simple figures concerning runs and time remaining, enforcing the follow-on is a valuable advantage. It can also demoralise the opposition, which may also make it easier to win.

However, enforcing the follow-on means that the captain's side will have to field for two consecutive innings, without resting in between while its players bat. If the opposition's first innings has taken a long time or the weather is particularly enervating, the bowlers may well need this time to rest and recover their strength before bowling at the opponents a second time.

When given the option, captains usually enforce the follow-on because of the clear advantages it provides in the strategic position of the game. Occasionally, if the bowlers need some rest before attacking the opposition again, the captain may decide to decline the follow-on and bat with the goal of declaring and setting a difficult target for the opponents in the final innings.