England’s top five successful run chases in Test cricket highlight their resilience and batting depth. These historic victories showcase remarkable fourth-innings performances under pressure, often on challenging pitches. From overcoming daunting targets to scripting thrilling finishes, these chases reflect England’s strong test match temperament and ability to chase big totals across different conditions and opponents.
307/6 vs New Zealand, Christchurch, 1997
England’s fifth-highest successful Test chase came in February 1997 against New Zealand at Christchurch. Captain Mike Atherton led from the front, scoring 94* and 118 in the match. After conceding a 118-run lead in the first innings, England’s bowlers bounced back by bowling New Zealand out for just 186, setting up a target of 305. England chased it down with grit, finishing at 307/6 in 146.4 overs. Remarkably, Atherton was the only English batter to score a half-century in the game.
315/4 vs Australia, Leeds, 2001
Despite losing the 2001 Ashes series 1-4, England claimed a memorable win in the fourth Test at Headingley, Leeds — their fourth-highest chase in Test history. Australia posted 447 in the first innings and bowled out for 309, securing a 138-run lead. Declaring at 176/4 in the second innings, they set a target of 315. England lost both openers early, but Mark Butcher played the innings of his life — an unbeaten 173 — guiding to a stunning 315/4 victory.
332/7 vs Australia, Melbourne, 1928
England’s first-ever successful 300+ run chase in Test cricket came in 1928 during the Ashes at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Australia scored 397 in the first innings, powered by centuries from Alan Kippax and Jack Ryder. England responded with 417, thanks to a double century by Wally Hammond. In the second innings, centuries from Bill Woodfull and a young Don Bradman helped Australia post 351, setting a target of 332.
England built steady partnerships at the top, with Herbert Sutcliffe scoring 135, and eventually chased down the target at 332/7 in 159.5 overs.
362/9 vs Australia, Leeds, 2019
The Headingley Test of 2019 witnessed one of the greatest innings in Test history. Chasing 359 to win, England were in deep trouble after being bowled out for just 67 in their first innings, replying to Australia’s 179.
After Australia set a target of 359, Joe Root (77) and Joe Denly (50) led some resistance. But collapsed to 286/9, still 73 runs short. Then came Ben Stokes’ miraculous unbeaten century, adding 76 runs with last man Jack Leach (1 off 17 balls) to take England to 362/9 and seal an unforgettable win.
378/3 vs India, Birmingham, 2022
England’s highest successful run chase in Test history came in the rescheduled fifth Test against India at Edgbaston in 2022. After conceding a first-innings deficit of 132, bowled out India for 245 in the second innings, setting a steep target of 378. What followed was a dominant display of modern Test batting.
Openers Alex Lees (56) and Zak Crawley (46) gave a solid start with a 107-run stand. Then, Joe Root (142) and Jonny Bairstow (114) stitched an unbeaten 269-run partnership, chasing down the target in just three sessions and scripting a historic win.
