Picture credit: BCCI
The Indian cricket team requires 152 runs to win the 4th test against England and clinch the home series. While batting first, England scored 352 runs, while India could put up a fighting total of 307 runs with the help of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel. However, as the test match progresses to day 4, India will be exposed to the changing nature of the pitch and an inexperienced lineup looking to chase a total of 153 runs to win the series. India is ahead in the series, but the chances of England winning the series cannot be neglected.
Considering the bowling attack, the match is still tilting in favor of India. India has chased unexpected totals in the past, with a remarkable win at the Gabba that set the tone for an attacking brand of cricket in India. Rohit Sharma-led side has much to do on the 4th day of the test, especially at times when the changing nature of the pitch cannot be overlooked. India has chased a 150+ target 14 times in test cricket.
- India vs Australia at Adelaide Oval in 2003 – India won by 4 wickets chasing 233 runs.
- India vs West Indies at Sabina Park in Kingston in 2006 – India won by 9 wickets chasing 190 runs.
- India vs England at Trent Bridge in Nottingham in 2007 – India won by 7 wickets chasing 73 runs.
- India vs England at Lord’s Cricket Ground in 2014 – India won by an innings and 54 runs chasing 319 runs.
- India vs Sri Lanka at P Sara Oval in Colombo in 2015 – India won by 117 runs chasing 176 runs.
- India vs Sri Lanka at P Sara Oval in Colombo in 2015 – India won by 278 runs chasing 413 runs.
- India vs Sri Lanka at Galle International Stadium in Galle in 2015 – India won by 117 runs chasing 176 runs.
- India vs Sri Lanka at P Sara Oval in Colombo in 2017 – India won by an innings and 53 runs chasing 550 runs.
- India vs South Africa at New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg in 2018 – India won by 6 wickets chasing 241 runs.
- India vs West Indies at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot in 2018 – India won by 10 wickets chasing 104 runs.
- India vs Australia at Adelaide Oval in Adelaide in 2018 – India won by 31 runs chasing 323 runs.
- India vs Australia at Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne in 2018 – India won by 137 runs chasing 70 runs.
- India vs Australia at Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney in 2019 – India won by 7 wickets chasing 287 runs.
- India vs Australia at The Gabba in Brisbane on January 19, 2021 – India won by three wickets chasing a target of 328 runs.
After considering the records, both home and away, the Indian team, although highly inexperienced, will aim to seal the series. The chances of a draw seem unlikely as the match progresses towards a result.