The first Test between India and England is all set for a thrilling finish after the hosts were given a target of 371 runs in the fourth innings following two hundreds from India's KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant on Monday at Headingley in Leeds. England were 21 without loss at stumps on Day 4, still needing 350 runs on the fifth and final day on Tuesday.
After taking a slender six-run lead in the first innings, India were all out for 364 in their second innings. In the final half and hour on Day 4, England survived the Indian pacers, especially three from Jasprit Bumrah, who had taken a five-wicket haul in the first innings.
With less than four runs per over needed by England in the final three sessions of the Test match on Tuesday, rain might play a part in deciding the outcome of the game.
But the question is have England chased down such big targets in the fourth innings of a Test match at home ever? The answer is YES.
England's biggest successful run-chase on home soil came three years back against the same opposition when they chased down a 378-run target in Birmingham. The odds favour India on a fifth-day pitch, but England, in its ‘Bazball’ era, is confident of chasing down the target. If it does, it will set a record for England at Headingley.
Target (Runs) | Opponent | Venue | Year | Result |
378 | India | Edgbaston, Birmingham | 2022 | Won by 7 wickets |
359 | Australia | Headingley, Leeds | 2019 | Won by 1 wicket |
315 | Australia | Headingley, Leeds | 2001 | Won by 6 wickets |
299 | New Zealand | Trent Bridge, Nottingham | 2022 | Won by 5 wickets |
296 | New Zealand | Headingley, Leeds | 2022 | Won by 7 wickets |
294 | New Zealand | Old Trafford, Manchester | 2008 | Won by 6 wickets |
284 | New Zealand | Trent Bridge, Nottingham | 2004 | Won by 4 wickets |
As far as the highest successful run chases in England are concerned, Australia holds the record when they chased down a 404-run target against England in 1948. Incidentally, the match was in Leeds, with Sir Don Bradman leading the charge with an unbeaten 173.
Target (Runs) | Winner | Opponent | Venue | Year | Margin |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
404 | Australia | England | Leeds | 1948 | By 7 wickets |
378 | England | India | Birmingham | 2022 | By 7 wickets |
359 | England | Australia | Leeds | 2019 | By 1 wicket |
342 | West Indies | England | Lord's | 1984 | By 9 wickets |
322 | West Indies | England | Leeds | 2017 | By 5 wickets |
Target (Runs) | Opponent | Venue | Year |
---|---|---|---|
378 | India | Birmingham | 2022 |
359 | Australia | Leeds | 2019 |
332 | Australia | Melbourne | 1928 |
315 | Australia | Leeds | 2001 |
305 | New Zealand | Christchurch | 1997 |
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