Following on in a Test match is a difficult situation for any team to be in. It requires a great deal of resilience and determination to come back from such a position and win the match. However, it is not impossible and there have been a number of occasions where teams have managed to do just that.
In cricket, following on is when the batting team is asked to bat again after their first innings has been completed. This usually happens when the team has been bowled out for a low score and the opposition has a large lead. It is a difficult situation to be in, as the team has to bat again and try to make up the deficit.
Despite the difficulty of the situation, there have been a number of occasions where teams have managed to win a Test match after following on. The most famous example of this is the 1981 Ashes Test match between England and Australia at Headingley. England were bowled out for a paltry total of 174 in their first innings and were asked to follow on. However, they managed to fight back and scored a total of 356 in their second innings, setting Australia a target of 130 to win. England then bowled out Australia for 111 to win the match.
Another famous example of a team winning a Test match after following on is the 2000 Test match between India and Australia at Kolkata. India were bowled out for a total of 171 in their first innings and were asked to follow on. However, they managed to fight back and scored a total of 657 in their second innings, setting Australia a target of 384 to win. India then bowled out Australia for 212 to win the match.
In total, there have been 11 occasions where teams have won a Test match after following on. This shows that it is possible to come back from such a difficult situation and win the match. It requires a great deal of resilience and determination, but it is possible.