England’s historic comeback win India In the rescheduled fifth game at Edgbaston, the hosts gave a new direction to the side under captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, managing their highest successful run in Test history.
It is extremely rare that a team comes back to win a Test with a deficit of 378 runs, but England played patiently on the 4th and 5th day and won with brilliant performances from their most consistent batsmen – Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow. Of. Against one of the most dangerous Test teams in the world.
On Wednesday, the ICC listed the most successful Test run-chases ever by England before the historic Edgbaston win.
1. Target 305: New Zealand v England, Christchurch, 1997:
England relied heavily on captain Mike Atherton in their first innings as he struck 94 off 346 balls for a total of 228. New Zealand added 186 in their second innings to take a first innings lead of 118 runs, which seemed likely to be enough until Atherton built on his sublime form.
The opener had enough support this time to reach a century (118) and take England to 226 before departing as a fourth wicket wicket-keeper and a runner up when Nasser Hussain (33) and Graham Thorpe (2) were also dismissed. Mini collapse happened. John Crowley (40 not out) and Dominic Cork (39 not out) then stepped in to score the remaining runs, while Atherton was adjudged ‘Player of the Match’.
2. Target 315: England v Australia, Leeds, 2001:
Australia had already won the Ashes by winning the first three Tests of the five-match series, but in the fourth match, England turned the tables. Australia took a 138-run lead in the second innings, then scored quick runs to give their bowlers – Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee and Jason Gillespie – enough time to knock out England until declared at 176/4. Searched.
Mark Butcher had not scored a century at the highest level since 1998, but he played the innings of his life, hitting 23 fours and a six. Butcher’s unbeaten 173 would be his highest score in Test cricket and led England to a historic victory.
3. Target 332: Australia v England, Melbourne, 1928
In the third Test in the infamous Bodyline series, both teams conceded runs. Australia captain Zack Ryder, Alan Kippax, Bill Woodfull and Don Bradman all scored centuries for the home team, while Wally Hammond hit a first innings double century for England.
Openers Herbert Sutcliffe (135) and Jack Hobbs (49) scored runs from captain Douglas Jardine (33), Hammond (32) and Patsy, as the visitors’ top order took a slow and steady stance to chase down the flat track. Hendren (45) kept the momentum going. A three-wicket haul for two scared them off when England needed only six more, but tailed George Gerry was able to end the chase with three wickets in hand.
4. Target 359: England v Australia, Leeds, 2019
England were only shy of 67 after Australia made 179 for a difficult wicket, with Denly (12) the only batsman to reach double figures. Australia took a 358-run lead as Marnus Labuschagne (80) took them to 246 on an improving pitch, but there was little sign of what was to come. Denly (50) and captain Joe Root (77) came up with 15/2 and put on a 126-run stand before Ben Stokes delivered a remarkable Test innings.
Stokes (135 not out) would be the hero as he piled on the runs, as well as holding the innings together after Stuart Broad’s ninth batsman was dismissed, with England 73 runs short. The last man to come in, Jack Leach (1 not out), dug into one end, while Stokes slowly ended Australia’s lead and achieved arguably England’s most memorable success in Tests.
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