Highest 4th Innings Successful Run Chase Oval

The fourth innings of batting in England are the hardest, and most teams have had difficulty adjusting to the pitch of the fourth inning.

There is a possibility that the field will degrade and crumble. Moreover, the wicket provides greater traction for the seamers, increasing their performance. The team batting in the final innings frequently collapsed quite quickly.

Below is the ten highest fourth innings successful run chase in England. Let’s check them out. 

Highest 4th Innings Successful Run Chase Oval

New Zealand Vs. England, Trent Bridge, 1973 – 440

One of the most notable Tests between the two countries was this one because New Zealand scored the most runs in England’s fourth innings. After being destroyed in the first innings for just 97 runs, the Kiwis team made one of their finest comebacks.

With a first-inning advantage of 153 runs, England set a winning target of 479. Despite losing the Test by 38 runs, New Zealand won people over.

India Vs. England, Kennington Oval, 1979- 429

India recorded their best fourth-inning total in the nation during their 1979 tour of England. England batted first and finished their first innings with 305 runs. India’s first-innings response saw them give up for just 202 runs.

After declaring at 334 for losing eight wickets in the third test innings, England demonstrated their supremacy. With two wickets left, India needed nine runs for a historic victory, but the game was ultimately tied. India’s double century from Sunil Gavaskar set the tone.

Also Read: Most Runs in a Single Edition of T20 World Cup

South Africa Vs. England, Kennington Oval, 1947 – 423

In the Oval Test of the 1947 trip to England, South Africa was near to establishing a record. England put 427 on the scoreboard in their first innings and seemed strong. Replying with 302 runs, the proteas gave the hosts a 125-point advantage.

South Africa needed to chase 451 after England ended their third test innings at 325 for the loss of six wickets. South Africa nearly pulled off a surprise triumph in their fourth final innings, scoring 423 for the cost of seven wickets. The Test was drawn at the conclusion.

Australia Vs. England, Lords, 2009 – 406

Australia did show persistence throughout the fourth innings of the 2009 Ashes. In the first innings of the second Test at Lord’s, England scored 425 runs. Australia’s first-innings response saw them fall victim to a 210 run disadvantage.

In their third innings, Australia had a total of 522 to chase after England had declared at 311 for six. While they made a valiant attempt to reach 406, the team was defeated in the Test by 115 runs. The man of the match was awarded to Andrew Flintoff.

Australia Vs. England, Headingley, 1948 – 404

Australia mounted a successful run chase in the fourth innings in a thrilling game during the 1948 visit of England’s fourth Test. England’s first innings began with 496 runs on the board. Australia’s response came close, finishing with 458. England declared after their third innings, giving the Australian team 404 to win.

Australia won the Test by seven wickets after a remarkable chase. Don Bradman and Arthur Morris led Australia in scoring during the 404 successful run chase, which still holds the record for the highest-scoring fourth innings chase on the English pitch.

Australia Vs. England, Old Trafford, 1981 – 402

Australia made a strong impression during the fourth innings of the fifth Test of their six-match Test series tour of England in 1981. After winning the toss at Old Trafford, England decided to bat first. In the first innings, Australia bowled out the opponents for 231 runs.

Nevertheless, Australia could not capitalize on the opportunity and only achieved 130 in their opening innings. England gave Australia a goal of 506 runs for the fourth innings with a lead of 101 runs. Australia lost the Test by 203 runs despite coming close with a score of 402 in the last innings.

India Vs. England, Lords, 2002 – 397

Ajit Agarkar’s century against England at Lords during this Test will go down in test cricket history as the only one he scored for India. After winning the toss, England decided to start batting. They had a strong series debut, amassing 487 runs in the first few innings. India’s response was a poor 221 runs, and they had trouble getting underway.

England took advantage of the chance and established a huge target of 568. Agarkar demonstrated his all-around ability in the Test series by being unbeaten on 109. Nonetheless, India did get into the game with 397 in their fourth innings. As a result of his century in the first test innings, Nasser Hussain was named the player of the game.

West Indies Vs. England, Old Trafford, 2007, 394

West Indies made a valiant attempt during their 2007 tour of England to tie the match in the fourth innings. The first step was England choosing to bat first after winning the toss. At Old Trafford, England’s first innings score of 370 was a respectable total. The first test innings of West Indies, totaling 229 runs in response, gave England a 141-run advantage.

England set up a large total for the West Indies to chase down. The West Indies came close to achieving their 455-run total but ultimately were sad to lose the Test by 60 runs.  Shivnarine Chanderpaul remained unbeaten at 116 in the futile effort. The Test’s 10-wicket haul earned Monty Panesar the title “Match of the Match.”

England Vs. India, Edgbaston, 2022 – 378

The English team has begun adjusting to the contemporary style of Test cricket by striving for victory during the fourth innings of a Test match instead of compromising for a tie.

Brandon McCullum is amazing in the Test competition as England’s new coach. The England test team started explosively and didn’t let up as wickets began to fall. While chasing Test match wins, they appeared to be a different team.

India led the first four days of the Birmingham Test, but England dominated the final two days of play. Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow capitalized on the strong start that Alex Lees and Zak Crawley, their openers, had given them. Both scored centuries with a superb victory against the opponents as the series was drawn. 

India Vs. England, Old Trafford, 1959 – 376

India made a heroic effort in the massive successful run chase in the fourth innings of the fourth Test of their tour to England. At Old Trafford, England batted first and scored 490 in the opening frame.

India’s first innings response total of just 208 gave England a firm grip on the match. England batted brilliantly once more in the third innings, setting the Indian squad an enormous goal of 548 runs. Even though it seemed practically unattainable, India gave it their all and managed to score 376 in the fourth innings.

With a 4-0 advantage after the first match in the five-match Test series, England won the Test and dominated the competition.

Conclusion

Oval is one of the most impressive cricket stadiums in the world. With a seating capacity of over 50,000, it is home to some of the most electrifying matches that have been played so far.

With its perfect batting and bowling conditions, the pitch has seen some of the greatest bowlers and batsmen come together for an unforgettable experience. The crowd, too, adds to its atmosphere as they cheer passionately for the team they are rooting for.

This article discusses the highest successful fourth innings run chase of all time in England.