What is the highest successful fourth innings chase in Tests at the MCG before BGT 2024-25 4th Test?

The fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is poised for an excellent finish. India would have to chase a target of over 300 runs to win, and the home side will need 10 wickets with a day's play remaining.

Pat Cummins and company were in the driver's seat until the afternoon session of Day 4 when Jasprit Bumrah brought the visitors back into the contest. Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith were cruising along at one stage before Mohammed Siraj got the better of the former Aussie skipper. Smith nicked one outward delivery to walk back before the Bumrah magic began.

The ace Indian speedster dismissed Travis Head - the highest run-scorer in the series - with a loose delivery before picking up the wicket of Mitchell Marsh in the same over. He returned for his next over and knocked over Alex Carey with a scorcher to have the Aussies at 91/6.

While the home side have done an excellent job, adding another 100-odd runs to their total, the Test is very much still on, with India likely to fancy their chances in the fourth innings. It begs the question - what is the highest successful fourth innings run chase in Tests at the MCG?

It dates back to 1928 when England successfully chased down 332 runs to win by three wickets and create history in Melbourne.

Coming into the third Test 0-2 down and batting first, Australia posted 397 runs, riding on centuries from Alan Kippax (100) and skipper Jack Ryder (112). Sir Don Bradman scored a useful 79 off 220 balls in that game. Harold Larwood and George Geary scalped three wickets apiece, while Maurice Tate returned with two wickets.

In reply, England registered 417 runs, thus, taking a meagre 20-run lead in the first innings. Wally Hammond was the standout batter for the visiting side, hitting a double century of 472 balls, including 17 boundaries. Off-spinner Don Blackie picked up a six-wicket haul for Australia.

The host answered with another solid batting effort, scoring 351 in the second innings. Bill Woodfull gave the team a wonderful start with 107 off 309 runs before Bradman played another crucial knock to take the team's total past 300. The legendary batter amassed 112 off 281 deliveries, including seven boundaries, before getting out to Geary.

Australia set up a record target of 332 runs to chase for the English side in the fourth innings of the Test.

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England pulled off the highest successful run chase in Melbourne

It looked like an impossible task for England before the innings began. But the visiting side came up with a brilliant reply, leaving everyone shocked.

Jack Hobbs and Herbert Sutcliffe added 105 runs for the first wicket to set the tone for the run chase before the former departed. Hobbs was unlucky to miss the half-century by a run.

Sutcliffe then shared crucial partnerships with Douglas Jardine and Hammond to put the team on course for the run chase. By the time Sutcliffe got out for 135 for 462 deliveries, England had already reached 318 runs and needed only 14 more to win.

Although they lost three wickets within two runs, they made sure to cross the target with three wickets to spare and create history at the MCG.