In the rich and unpredictable history of Test cricket, few feats are as astonishing as a Victory after a follow on. This rare occurrence, achieved only four times in over 2,500 Tests, embodies the true essence of resilience, fight, and drama. When a team is asked to follow on, it usually signals a heavy defeat ahead. Yet, on these exceptional occasions, the tables turned dramatically.
From historic heroics at Sydney in 1894 to the nail-biting thriller in Wellington in 2023, each instance of a Victory after a follow on stands as a testament to the unpredictability and charm of the longest format. These games aren’t just wins—they’re timeless sagas etched into cricketing folklore.
Here is the list of the matches with Victory After a Follow On in Test Cricket:
1. England vs Australia – Sydney, 14 December 1894
In the earliest recorded instance of a Victory after a follow on, England stunned Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground in December 1894. This was just the 42nd Test ever played, and it set the stage for Ashes drama for generations to come. After trailing by 261 runs and being forced to follow on, England mounted a spirited comeback. Their remarkable turnaround not only resulted in a 10-run win but also etched this Test into cricketing folklore as a true classic.
Australia batted first and posted a mammoth 586 runs, with centuries from Syd Gregory (201) and George Giffen (161). England, in reply, could only manage 325 and were promptly asked to follow on, trailing by 261 runs. What followed was nothing short of extraordinary. The English side, led by Albert Ward (117) and captain Andrew Stoddart (173), put on a powerful show in their second innings. They amassed 437 runs, setting Australia a target of 177. England bowlers, led by Bobby Peel and Johnny Briggs, bowled Australia out for 166, sealing an improbable 10-run win.
This match marked the first-ever Victory after a follow on in Test cricket history, leaving the cricketing world in utter disbelief. England’s dramatic turnaround against Australia not only altered the outcome but also introduced a psychological dimension to the sport—proving that no lead is truly safe. The unexpected reversal of fortunes made this contest a foundational tale in Test match lore, setting a precedent for resilience and inspiring generations of teams to believe in the impossible.
| Margin | Ground | Match Date | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 runs | Sydney | 14 Dec 1894 | England |
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2. England vs Australia – Leeds, 16 July 1981
The second Victory after a follow on arrived nearly 87 years later during the third Test of the 1981 Ashes at Headingley. England, seemingly destined for defeat, produced one of the most astonishing comebacks in cricket history. What began as a routine Australian win turned into a legendary turnaround, fueled by individual brilliance and fighting spirit. This match not only altered the course of the series but also solidified its place as one of the most iconic Tests ever played.
Australia batted first and scored 401/9 declared, with John Dyson (102) and Kim Hughes (89) dominating. England managed just 174 in their first innings. Following on, they were 135/7 at one stage and still 92 runs behind. But then, came the hurricane—Ian Botham. Botham scored a blistering 149 not out off 148 balls, lifting England to 356. Australia needed only 130 to win, but Bob Willis produced a bowling masterclass, taking 8/43 to bowl Australia out for 111. England snatched an 18-run win from the jaws of defeat.
This unforgettable Victory after a follow on entered cricketing folklore as “Botham’s Test,” named after Ian Botham’s heroic all-round performance. His remarkable 149* reignited England’s fight, setting up a stunning win that shifted the momentum of the 1981 Ashes. From near-certain defeat, England surged to reclaim the series and eventually the Ashes. The match remains a powerful reminder that in Test cricket, even the darkest hour can be overturned with belief, brilliance, and one inspired performance.
| Margin | Ground | Match Date | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 runs | Leeds | 16 Jul 1981 | England |
3. India vs Australia – Eden Gardens, 11 March 2001
The third Victory after a follow on came in what many regard as the greatest Test match ever played—India vs Australia at Eden Gardens in 2001. This game broke a 16-match winning streak for the Australians and reshaped Indian cricket forever. Australia piled up 445 in their first innings, thanks to a fluent 110 from Steve Waugh and valuable contributions from Hayden and Gilchrist. India were dismissed for just 171, triggering a follow-on.
The defining moment came with one of cricket’s most iconic partnerships. VVS Laxman (281) and Rahul Dravid (180) batted through the entire Day 4, adding 376 runs and completely shifting the momentum. Their monumental effort exhausted the Australian bowlers and reignited India’s hopes. India eventually declared at 657/7, setting Australia a daunting target of 384, laying the foundation for a historic Victory after a follow on at Eden Gardens.
Harbhajan Singh, already a hero with a historic hat-trick in the first innings, delivered once again in the fourth innings by taking 6 crucial wickets. His relentless spin attack dismantled the Australian batting lineup, restricting them to just 212. India clinched a remarkable Victory after a follow on by 171 runs, completing one of the greatest turnarounds in Test history and ending Australia’s formidable 16-match winning streak.
This Victory after a follow on wasn’t just about runs or wickets; it was a statement. It marked the beginning of India’s dominance at home and signaled the end of Australia’s aura of invincibility. The Dravid-Laxman partnership is now etched into cricketing legend.
| Margin | Ground | Match Date | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 171 runs | Eden Gardens | 11 Mar 2001 | India |
4. New Zealand vs England – Wellington, 24 February 2023
The most recent Victory after a follow on occurred in 2023 and ranks among the most thrilling in Test history. New Zealand edged past England by just 1 run at Wellington, achieving the rare feat for the first time in their cricketing journey. It marked only the fourth occasion a team had secured a win after following on, showcasing Test cricket’s incredible unpredictability and the Kiwis’ remarkable fighting spirit.
England took early control, posting 435/8 declared and dismissing New Zealand for just 209, enforcing the follow-on. The hosts appeared headed for defeat, but Kane Williamson’s composed 132, Tom Blundell’s gritty 90, and crucial lower-order contributions helped New Zealand rally to 483 in their second innings. This remarkable turnaround set the stage for an unforgettable Victory after a follow on, eventually decided by the narrowest margin—just one run.
England needed just 258 to win and looked in control at 80/1. But the Kiwis kept fighting. Neil Wagner’s relentless short-ball strategy paid off as England collapsed to 256 all out—just 2 runs short.
Neil Wagner’s fiery spell of 4/62, combined with unwavering team spirit, propelled New Zealand to their first-ever Victory after a follow on—a feat achieved by only one other team in the 21st century. Facing a 226-run deficit and asked to follow on, New Zealand mounted a stunning comeback, led by Kane Williamson’s century and the bowlers’ collective brilliance. England, chasing just 258, fell agonizingly short by one run. The thrilling finish in Wellington was a celebration of Test cricket’s unpredictability and enduring charm. This historic Victory after a follow on embodied grit, resilience, and the fighting heart of New Zealand cricket.
| Margin | Ground | Match Date | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 run | Wellington | 24 Feb 2023 | New Zealand |
The Rarity of the Phenomenon
Despite more than 2,500 Tests being played, only four instances of Victory after a follow on exist. Each case is a masterclass in defiance, strategy, and heart. These victories aren’t just wins—they’re eternal cricketing epics.
The rarity amplifies their value. Most teams crumble under the psychological weight of following on, but these four instances show that mental strength, individual brilliance, and team cohesion can flip any script.
The phrase Victory after a follow on has become synonymous with some of the sport’s most magical moments. It demonstrates cricket’s uncanny ability to reflect life itself—unpredictable, volatile, and astonishingly beautiful.
Each of these four matches involved a perfect storm: top-tier individual performances, leadership under fire, and opposition teams that blinked when it mattered most.
FAQs
Q1: Why is a Victory after a follow on so rare in Test cricket?
A: Enforcing a follow-on reflects complete control, leaving the trailing team under immense pressure. Recovering from such a position demands exceptional resilience, strategic brilliance, ample time, and a major momentum shift—elements rarely aligning together. That’s why a Victory after a follow on remains one of Test cricket’s most extraordinary feats, achieved only when every aspect clicks perfectly against the odds.
Q2: Can teams still enforce a follow-on under current rules?
A: Under Law 14 of the MCC Laws, a team can enforce the follow-on if leading by 200 or more runs in a five-day Test. However, modern captains often avoid it to manage bowler workload and account for pitch deterioration, which could favor the batting side in the fourth innings.
Q3: Who are the standout players in Victory after a follow on match?
A: Ian Botham’s brilliance in 1981, the legendary partnership of VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid in 2001, and Neil Wagner’s fiery spell in 2023 were pivotal in achieving a Victory after a follow on. These iconic performances transformed looming defeats into unforgettable triumphs, redefining resilience in Test cricket’s grand narrative.
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