New Delhi: As England chase another huge total against India at the Oval in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series, fans are once again turning to the history books. The question on every one’s mind is what is England’s highest successful run chase in Test cricket? And can they repeat history once again?
Well, the Lions highest ever successful fourth-innings chase came in 2022 when they overhauled a daunting 378-run chase against India at Edgbaston in Birmingham. That was the rescheduled fifth Test of the series and England victory was powered by unbeaten centuries from Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow as they cruised to 378/3 sealing a memorable seven-wicket win. It wasn’t just a record, rather it was a statement from a team embracing the bold, attacking ‘Bazball’ style.
Interestingly, England’s second-highest successful run chase also came against India this time during the ongoing 2025 series. At Headingley in Leeds, England chased down the target of 371, finishing at 373/5 to notch up another classic win. It’s now the sixth time England have chased 300+ in a Test and three of those have come in the last six years alone.
That recent record includes the unforgettable 2019 win over Australia at Headingley when Ben Stokes played one of the greatest innings in Test history. While chasing 359, England were down and out before Stokes’ unbeaten 135 dragged them across the line with just one wicket to spare.
Here’s a look at the five highest targets England have chased down in Test cricket:
1. 378 vs India – Edgbaston, 2022 (378/3)
2. 371 vs India – Headingley, 2025 (373/5)
3. 359 vs Australia – Headingley, 2019 (362/9)
4. 332 vs Australia – Melbourne, 1928 (332/7)
5. 315 vs Australia – Leeds, 2001 (315/4)
Can they make history again at The Oval?
In the current Test, India have set England a fourth-innings target of 374. If England get there, it would become their second-highest successful run chase in Test history and once again against India.
With the likes of Root, and Brook in the mix and the team thriving in high-pressure fourth-innings situations, England’s chances can’t be written off. History suggests they are not just chasing runs rather they are chasing greatness.
