India faces a daunting task at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as they set out to chase 340 runs in the fourth innings of the ongoing Test against Australia. The history of successful chases by India in Test cricket offers insights into whether such a pursuit is achievable.
India’s top successful Test chases:
- 403 vs West Indies, Trinidad (1976): India achieved their highest-ever chase in Port of Spain, Trinidad, overcoming the West Indies with remarkable grit.
- 387 vs England, Chennai (2008): A special knock by Virender Sehwag and contributions from Sachin Tendulkar powered India to an emotional victory in Chennai.
- 328 vs Australia, Brisbane (2021): The historic Gabba triumph remains etched in memory as India’s young brigade outclassed Australia to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
- 276 vs West Indies, Delhi (2011): A well-rounded team effort saw India chasing down a challenging target at home.
The MCG Challenge:
At the MCG, the pitch offers a mix of challenges for both batters and bowlers. The surface traditionally favors bowlers on the fourth and fifth days, with uneven bounce and turn coming into play. With Australia’s formidable bowling attack led by Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon, India will need to draw inspiration from their past chases and execute with precision.
Can India replicate past heroics?
While India has successfully chased higher targets before, the MCG presents unique challenges, and the conditions in Australia are different from those in the subcontinent. For India to achieve this, the top order must deliver, and the middle order, led by Virat Kohli, will need to handle the pressure of a big chase. Contributions from the lower order could also be pivotal.
With Australia holding a lead of 240 runs at Tea on Day 4, India’s bowlers must wrap up the innings quickly to minimize the target and give their batters a fair shot. If India manages to chase this target, it will go down as one of their greatest victories in Test cricket history.
India’s past record in high chases shows they are capable of defying odds. However, with the pressure of the MCG and the quality of the Australian attack, this chase will require an extraordinary effort. All eyes are now on the Indian batters as they aim to script another historic moment.
