Test cricket, the pinnacle of the sport, has witnessed some breathtaking moments that have left fans awestruck. Amongst these moments, the art of chasing down a target in the 4th innings stands out as an epitome of skill, determination, and resilience. In this blog, we will delve into the annals of cricketing history to explore the top run chases in Test cricket's 4th innings. Let's relive these epic battles that have etched their names in the folklore of the game.
Exploring the Top Run Chases in Test Cricket's 4th Innings.
Here we share top run chase by any team in 4th inning of a test match.
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1. England vs Australia, Headingley 1981
The Ashes rivalry between England and Australia has produced several iconic moments, and the Headingley Test of 1981 stands tall among them. Facing a daunting target of 130 runs, England found themselves reeling at 135/7, with victory seeming impossible. However, the heroic partnership between Ian Botham (149*) and Graham Dilley (56) turned the tide, leading England to an astonishing victory by 18 runs. This extraordinary turnaround came to be known as "Botham's Ashes" and remains etched in cricketing history.
2. Australia vs South Africa, Adelaide 2012
In a gripping encounter, Australia and South Africa locked horns in the 2nd Test at Adelaide in 2012. Chasing a mammoth target of 430 runs, the Proteas were in dire straits at 45/4. However, the resilient duo of Hashim Amla (196*) and AB de Villiers (33*) showcased their batting prowess, forming an unbeaten partnership of 137 runs. Their herculean effort helped South Africa script a remarkable 8-wicket victory, securing their first-ever Test series win in Australia.
3. India vs Australia, Adelaide 2020
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy witnessed another enthralling contest at Adelaide in 2020. In pursuit of 328 runs, Team India found themselves in deep trouble after losing their top order for just 36 runs. However, the young batting duo of Cheteshwar Pujara (43) and Shubman Gill (35) displayed immense maturity, steadying the ship. Captain Ajinkya Rahane then joined forces with Hanuma Vihari, who exhibited incredible grit and determination, battling through injuries to secure a memorable draw for India.
4. South Africa vs Australia, Johannesburg 2006
In a nail-biting encounter at Johannesburg in 2006, South Africa set out to chase a daunting target of 438 runs against Australia. Their hopes seemed to fade as they lost their fifth wicket at 247 runs. However, a sensational innings by Mark Boucher (50) and a record-breaking knock of 163 runs from AB de Villiers turned the match on its head. The Proteas emerged victorious with just one wicket remaining, completing the highest successful run chase in Test history.
5. West Indies vs Australia, Antigua 2003
Antigua witnessed an extraordinary battle between the West Indies and Australia in 2003. Chasing 418 runs, the Caribbean team was led by the masterful Brian Lara, who produced one of the most scintillating innings in Test cricket. Lara's unbeaten 153, along with crucial contributions from Ramnaresh Sarwan (105) and Shivnarine Chanderpaul (104*), helped the West Indies achieve a remarkable 3-wicket victory, stunning the cricketing world.
Here are the top 10 highest run chases by India in the 4th innings of a Test match against Australia.
1. 406 runs - Adelaide, 1977: India chased down 406 runs, with Sunil Gavaskar scoring a brilliant 102 and Gundappa Viswanath contributing 72 to secure a famous victory.
2. 233 runs - Chennai, 2001: India successfully chased down 233 runs, with Rahul Dravid scoring a match-winning 72 not out and VVS Laxman playing an unforgettable innings of 59 not out, leading India to a historic win.
3. 216 runs - Delhi, 1979: India achieved a remarkable victory by chasing down 216 runs, thanks to Gundappa Viswanath's masterful innings of 79 runs and Mohinder Amarnath's crucial 53 not out.
4. 155 runs - Mohali, 2010: India successfully chased down 155 runs, with Sachin Tendulkar scoring a crucial unbeaten 53 and captain MS Dhoni contributing 43 not out to seal a memorable win.
5. 155 runs - Kolkata, 2017: Chasing a target of 231 runs, India scripted a stunning victory with captain Virat Kohli leading from the front with an unbeaten 104. Wriddhiman Saha also played a crucial role with a match-winning unbeaten 58.
6. 143 runs - Adelaide, 2003: India successfully chased down 143 runs, powered by Rahul Dravid's composed innings of 72 not out and VVS Laxman's 35 not out, securing a remarkable win.
7. 135 runs - Melbourne, 1981: India chased down 143 runs, with Sunil Gavaskar scoring a brilliant 70 and Kapil Dev playing a crucial innings of 47 not out to guide India to victory.
8. 107 runs - Mumbai, 1964: India achieved a memorable win by chasing down 107 runs, with ML Jaisimha scoring a magnificent 74 and Hanumant Singh contributing 39 not out.
9. 104 runs - Perth, 1977: India successfully chased down 120 runs, with Gundappa Viswanath scoring a match-winning 79 and Brijesh Patel contributing 42 not out to secure a famous victory.
10. 103 runs - Mohali, 2008: India achieved a thrilling win by chasing down 216 runs, with Sachin Tendulkar's unbeaten 54 and Gautam Gambhir's vital 46 not out playing crucial roles in the victory.
These remarkable run chases have been etched in cricketing history, showcasing India's fighting spirit and the brilliance of their batsmen in challenging situations against Australia.
Top 10 players who have scored the most runs in the 4th innings of a Test match:
1. Brian Lara (West Indies) - 153* vs England, Antigua, 2004
2. Steve Smith (Australia) - 141 vs England, Birmingham, 2019
3. Hanif Mohammad (Pakistan) - 151 vs West Indies, Bridgetown, 1958
4. Jack Hobbs (England) - 142 vs Australia, Melbourne, 1925
5. Sunil Gavaskar (India) - 221 vs England, The Oval, 1979
6. Bill Lawry (Australia) - 135 vs West Indies, Georgetown, 1965
7. Greg Chappell (Australia) - 131 vs England, Perth, 1979
8. Denis Compton (England) - 184* vs South Africa, Nottingham, 1947
9. Ricky Ponting (Australia) - 156 vs England, Manchester, 2005
10. Everton Weekes (West Indies) - 112 vs England, Nottingham, 1950
These players have displayed exceptional skill and resilience in the 4th innings of Test matches, playing crucial roles in their team's pursuit of victory. Their remarkable performances have etched their names in cricketing history, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to admire.
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