How do I declare an innings, forfeit, or enforce the follow-on?

Q: How do I declare an innings, forfeit, or enforce the follow-on?

Under the Laws of Cricket (2017 Code, 4th Edition 2026): Declaring (Law 15.1): with the exception of the final innings of the match, the captain of the batting side may declare an innings closed, when the ball is dead, at any time during the innings. A declared innings is a completed innings. Forfeiting (Law 15.2): with the exception of the final innings of the match, a captain may forfeit either of their side's innings at any time before that innings begins. A forfeited innings is a completed innings. Notifying (Law 15.3): you must notify the opposing captain and the umpires of any decision to declare or forfeit. Once notified, the decision cannot be changed. Follow-on (Laws 14.1 and 14.2): the side batting first has the option of requiring the other side to follow on if it leads by at least: 200 runs in a match of 5 days or more; 150 runs in a match of 3 or 4 days; 100 runs in a 2-day match; 5 runs in a 1-day match. You must notify the opposing captain and the umpires, and once notified the decision cannot be changed. Limited-overs and agreed formats: the number of innings and any limit on overs or time can be agreed before the match under Law 13.1, and the agreement must also set criteria for determining the result when no side wins outright.

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Accepted Answer

Under the Laws of Cricket (2017 Code, 4th Edition 2026):

Declaring (Law 15.1): with the exception of the final innings of the match, the captain of the batting side may declare an innings closed, when the ball is dead, at any time during the innings. A declared innings is a completed innings.

Forfeiting (Law 15.2): with the exception of the final innings of the match, a captain may forfeit either of their side's innings at any time before that innings begins. A forfeited innings is a completed innings.

Notifying (Law 15.3): you must notify the opposing captain and the umpires of any decision to declare or forfeit. Once notified, the decision cannot be changed.

Follow-on (Laws 14.1 and 14.2): the side batting first has the option of requiring the other side to follow on if it leads by at least: 200 runs in a match of 5 days or more; 150 runs in a match of 3 or 4 days; 100 runs in a 2-day match; 5 runs in a 1-day match. You must notify the opposing captain and the umpires, and once notified the decision cannot be changed.

Limited-overs and agreed formats: the number of innings and any limit on overs or time can be agreed before the match under Law 13.1, and the agreement must also set criteria for determining the result when no side wins outright.