The West Indies holds the record for the highest run chase in test cricket history. England the motherland of cricket, has a rich test cricket history. Cricket, which began in England, is now one of the most popular sports, especially in Asia.
England played the first official test match alongside Australia in 1877 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Over the years, England has been known for strong batting performances, particularly on home soil, although they often struggle overseas.
Despite the challenges, England has achieved some remarkable run chases in test cricket. Chasing a target in the fourth innings is considered one of the toughest tasks in the game.
Here’s a look at the top five highest run chases by England in test cricket history:
Top 5 Successful Highest Run Chases by England:
5. 307/6 vs New Zealand, Christchurch, 1997
England had to chase 305 to win. Captain Mike Atherton scored 118 runs. At one point, England was struggling at 231/6, but John Crawley (40*) and Dominic Cork (39*) stayed calm and helped England win with an unbeaten 76-run partnership.
4. 315/4 vs Australia, Leeds, 2001
In 2001, England chased 315 runs against Australia at Leeds. Australia scored 447 in their first innings and bowled England out for 309, giving Australia a lead of 138 runs. They then declared at 176/4 in their second innings, setting England a target of 315 runs.
Mark Butcher played a brilliant innings, scoring 173* runs and leading England to a memorable win against a tough Australian bowling attack that included Brett Lee, Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, and Jason Gillespie.
3. 332/7 vs Australia, Melbourne, 1928
In 1928, England chased 332 runs against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Australia scored 397 in their first innings, and England responded with 417, taking a small lead. Australia scored 351 in their second innings, setting a target of 332 for England.
Opener Herbert Sutcliffe scored 135 runs, and England chased down the target, finishing at 332/7 after 159.5 overs to win the match.
2. 362/9 vs Australia, Leeds, 2019
In 2019, England chased down 359 runs against Australia in one of the most exciting matches ever. Australia scored 179 in their first innings, and England collapsed, scoring just 67 runs. Australia then made 246 in their second innings, setting England a tough target of 359.
Ben Stokes played one of the greatest innings in cricket, scoring 135* not out. England was 286/9 at one point, needing 73 more runs. Stokes, with the help of Jack Leach, added those runs and led England to an unbelievable win.
1. 378/3 vs India, Birmingham, 2022
England’s highest run chase came against India in 2022 at Birmingham. India scored 416 in their first innings, while England made 284, giving India a lead of 132 runs. India then scored 245 in their second innings, leaving England a target of 378 to win.
England’s openers gave them a great start, adding 107 runs together. Even after losing a few quick wickets, Jonny Bairstow (114*) and Joe Root (142*) put on an unbeaten 269-run partnership to guide England to 378/3, their highest successful run chase in test cricket.
These chases show how England has made history by chasing big totals and winning some of the toughest test matches.
Also Read: Top 5 Fastest Test Century by English Batsmen in History
