Another big chase. Same old opponent. Same ‘Bazball’ confidence.
England are once again staring down a mountain in the final innings — 374 runs against India at The Oval. But if there’s one thing this English side has taught us in recent years, it’s this: never count them out in a fourth-innings chase.
And of course, the big question making the rounds is: what is England’s highest successful run chase in Test history?
378 at Edgbaston: The peak of Bazball
Let’s rewind to 2022 — the rescheduled fifth Test at Edgbaston, also against India. England were chasing a steep 378, and not many gave them a chance. But then came Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow with unbeaten hundreds, and just like that, they made it look easy. England cruised to 378/3 and sealed a record-breaking win by 7 wickets.
That wasn’t just a win. It was a full-blown declaration of the Bazball era — fearless, attacking, and rewriting Test match traditions.
Second-highest? That too against India, in 2025
Cut to Headingley, Leeds, earlier this year in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. India once again set England a massive target of 371, and once again, the hosts chased it down in style — 373/5, another historic win. And once again, against India.
That chase now sits as England’s second-highest successful chase — though it could be bumped to third if they manage to get the 374 at The Oval now.
Ben Stokes’ Headingley miracle still unmatched
We can’t talk about English chases without remembering that magical 2019 Headingley Test. Australia had set them 359. England were 9 down, all hope lost — and then came Ben Stokes’ heroic 135 not out, dragging his team home by the skin of their teeth. Final score: 362/9.
It wasn’t the highest, but probably the most dramatic fourth-innings win England has ever pulled off.
Top 5 Successful Run Chases by England in Tests
1️⃣ 378/3 vs India – Edgbaston, 2022
2️⃣ 373/5 vs India – Headingley, 2025
3️⃣ 362/9 vs Australia – Headingley, 2019
4️⃣ 332/7 vs Australia – Melbourne, 1928
5️⃣ 315/4 vs Australia – Leeds, 2001
Oval challenge: Same script, new climax?
So here we are again. England need 374 runs in the fourth innings. If they manage it, it’ll be their second-biggest chase ever — and the third time they’ve done it against India.
With Joe Root steadying the ship, Harry Brook showing signs of brilliance, and the team backed by the fearless Bazball belief, you can’t rule them out.
This isn’t just about stats anymore — it’s about character, about legacy.
So, will England pull off another heist and break more Indian hearts? Or will India finally defend big in Bazball’s backyard?
Only time — and maybe a couple of worn-out red balls — will tell.
Your thoughts? Is this England team redefining Test cricket, or just riding on luck and hype? Drop your opinion below. Let’s chat.
