As innumerable rain breaks keep occurring in the ongoing Brisbane Test between India and Australia, the only thought in the minds of Indian fans must be if their team can avoid the follow-on in their first innings. In the first rain break in the second session of the fourth day's play, India were at 180/6, needing 66 more runs to avoid follow-on.

India, who were left in a precarious situation at the end of Day 3 of the Gabba Test at 51/4, with a 394-run deficit, are currently batting to ensure they avoid the follow-on. If they do so, it will be mandatory for Australia to bat in their second innings and put up a target.

At the break, Nitish Reddy and Ravindra Jadeja were at the crease, the last recognised batting pair with the three pacers to follow. While Reddy is batting on nine, Jadeja brought up his 21st Test fifty and is anchoring the innings.

According to article 14.1.1 of MCC's laws of cricket, in a two-innings game of five days or more, the team which bats first and leads by at least 200 runs shall have the option of asking the other team to follow their innings.

A skipper is needed to notify his counterpart and the umpires of his/her intention to enforce a follow-on. Once officially informed, the decision can't be changed.

If no play takes place on the first day of a game of more than one day’s duration, 14.1 shall apply by the number of days remaining from the beginning of the play. For example, if it is down to a four-day game, the lead should be at least 150 runs.

In the case of the match between India and Australia in Gabba, the hosts scored 445 in the first innings. As per 14.1.1, if Australia bowl India out for 245, Pat Cummins might ask Rohit Sharma's team to follow on. In case India manage to score 246 or more, the follow-on will be abolished and Australia will have to bat for a second time, weather permitting.

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