What is highest successful run-chase at Melbourne Cricket Ground in Tests?

If India chase down target at MCG on December 30, 2024, it will be highest successful run-chase. England holds the record for highest successful chase, scoring 332 runs to win a Test match in 1928.

India is set to chase 340 runs to win the fourth Test against Australia after the hosts were bundled out for 234 runs on Day 5 at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), a venue rich in cricketing history, has witnessed some of the most iconic run-chases in Test cricket and India's chase of 340 runs could not be different as it could be the highest successful run chase at MCG.    Check India vs Australia 4th test full scorecard here

 

India's star pacer Jasprit Bumrah (5/57) expectedly led the show with a five wicket haul, aided well by Mohammed Siraj (3/70) and Ravindra Jadeja (1/33).  Resuming on their overnight sore of 228/9, Australia number 10 and 11, Nathan Lyon (41 off 55) and Scott Boland (15 not out off 74), added six runs in the morning session before Bumrah trapped the former leg before.

Australia had gained a 105-run first inning lead after bowling out India for 369 in their first essay.

On Day 4, India's Mohammed Siraj once again delivered a crucial breakthrough, dismissing Marnus Labuschagne leg-before-wicket after the Australian batter registered his second 70-run knock in the match. Soon after, Mitchell Starc fell, leaving the game seemingly tilted in India's favour with Australia holding a modest lead of 261 runs at that point.  

However, Australia’s tailenders staged a spirited fightback. The final two partnerships added a valuable 72 runs, pushing the lead to 333 by the end of Day 4. Despite India's persistent efforts, including tight spells and aggressive field placements, Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland showcased exceptional resilience, frustrating the Indian bowlers.

 

Jasprit Bumrah appeared to have broken through Lyon’s defence late in the day, catching him at slip, only for the delivery to be ruled a no-ball due to overstepping. This missed opportunity could prove pivotal as Australia holds a commanding position.

 

During India's previous tour of Australia in 2020-21 season, India chased down 70 runs in the fourth innings at Melbourne Cricket Ground after being bowled out of 36 in the previous Test match at Adelaide.

 

India is the only team from sub-continent to win a Test match by chasing at Melbourne Cricket Ground   

Highest successful run-chase at Melbourne Cricket Ground in 21st century
Team	Score	Opposition	Match start Date
Australia	231-2	v England	Dec 26, 2013
South Africa	183-1	v Australia	Dec 26, 2008
Australia	127-1	v Pakistan	Dec 26, 2004
Australia	107-5	v England	Dec 26, 2002
Australia	97-1	v India	Dec 26, 2003
India	70-2	v Australia	Dec 26, 2020
Australia	10-1	v South Africa	Dec 26, 2001

  Highest successful run chase at MCG

 

England holds the record for the highest successful chase at the MCG, achieving a remarkable 332 runs against Australia in 1928. This historic feat remains unbeaten to date.

 

England also boasts the second-highest successful chase, scoring 298 runs against Australia in 1895. Close behind, South Africa secured a memorable victory in 1953, chasing 297 runs against the mighty Australians.

 

Australia’s highest successful chase at the MCG came in 1929, when they scored 287 runs against England. The home team also triumphed in notable chases against the West Indies, achieving 260 runs in 1951 and 258 runs in 1961.

 

Other remarkable performances include England’s 282-run chase against Australia in 1908 and a gritty 237-run chase in 1962. In modern times, Australia successfully chased 231 runs against England in 2013. 

Highest successful run-chase at Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia
Team	Runs Chased	Opposition	Year
England	332	Australia	1928
England	298	Australia	1895
South Africa	297	Australia	1953
Australia	287	England	1929
England	282	Australia	1908
Australia	260	West Indies	1951
Australia	258	West Indies	1961
England	237	Australia	1962
Australia	231	England	2013
England	219	Australia	1911

 

Highest successful run chase in Australia in Test 

Team	Score	Opposition	Ground	Start Date
South Africa	414/4	v Australia	W.A.C.A	17-Dec-08
Australia	369/6	v Pakistan	Hobart	18-Nov-99
Australia	342/8	v India	W.A.C.A	16-Dec-77
England	332/7	v Australia	Melbourne	29-Dec-28
India	329/7	v Australia	Brisbane	15-Jan-21
Australia	315/6	v England	Adelaide	17-Jan-02
England	298/4	v Australia	Melbourne	1 Mar 1895
South Africa	297/4	v Australia	Melbourne	06-Feb-53
Australia	288/2	v South Africa	Sydney	02-Jan-06
Australia	287/5	v England	Melbourne	08-Mar-29
England	282/9	v Australia	Melbourne	01-Jan-08
Australia	276/4	v England	Sydney	26 Feb 1898
Australia	275/8	v England	Sydney	13-Dec-07
Australia	260/9	v West Indies	Melbourne	31-Dec-51