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As the first Test between India and England builds toward a thrilling climax, both teams find themselves locked in an intense, evenly matched contest. The stage for this gripping battle is none other than Headingley in Leeds, renowned for producing some of the most dramatic and unforgettable Test matches, it has once again set the scene for a potential classic.
Here are the five highest run chases at Headingley, Leeds:
5) 296 for 3, England vs New Zealand, 2022
The fifth in the list is England versus New Zealand clash in 2022, a match that defined the new era of fearless English Test cricket under skipper Ben Stokes. The chase not only helped England in remarkable win but also left he global cricketing fraternity in awe. After a brilliant batting performance in their first innings, England faced another challenge — chasing a target of 296 runs. Despite losing both openers with just 51 on the board, star batter Joe Root and Ollie Pope stepped up to the occasion, stitching together a 134-run partnership off just 168 balls. England went on to chase down the target in just 54.2 overs, maintaining an impressive run rate of over 5 — a remarkable feat in Test cricket.
4) 315 for 4, England vs Australia, 2001
The 2001 Ashes witnessed a memorable run chase by England against their arch-rivals, Australia. Chasing a challenging target of 315 in the fourth innings, England got off to a shaky start, slipping to 33 for 2. However, Mark Butcher had other plans. Playing one of the finest innings of his career, he single-handedly guided his team to victory. In his innings of 173 runs in 227 deliveries, Butcher played with freedom and elegance, dominating one of the best bowling attacks in the world at the time. His timing and placement were impeccable, and the innings remains one of the most celebrated by an English batter in the modern era.
3) 322 for 5 – West Indies vs England, 2017
The West Indies‘ chase of 322 in 2017 was another Headingley masterpiece that stunned the cricketing world. The visitors, often underrated in recent years in Test cricket, showcased immense character and determination to script one of their finest victories on English soil. The hero of the match was Shai Hope, who scored centuries in both innings. He was supported by opener Kraigg Brathwaite, who also played a significant role. Together, they broke England’s rhythm and delivered a famous win that silenced critics and revived faith in West Indies’ Test credentials.
2) 362 for 9 – England vs Australia, 2019
Ben Stokes’ heroics in 2019 produced one of the most thrilling matches in Test cricket history. In a high-pressure atmosphere, the English team delivered a run chase that will be remembered for generations. After a disastrous first-innings collapse, where they were bowled out for just 67, England pulled off something extraordinary. Chasing a daunting target of 359 to keep the series alive, Stokes led the charge with a sensational unbeaten knock of 135 off 219 balls, sheer determination. His partnership with Jack Leach for the final wicket — with Leach contributing just 1 run — became an instant classic.
1) 404 for 3 – Australia vs England, 1948
On top of the lists in another Ashes classic at Headingley. Australia, led by the legendary Don Bradman chased down a mammoth target of 404 runs in the fourth innings, finishing at 404 for 3. This victory remains one of the greatest in Test match history. Bradman, already a giant of the game, once again rose to the occasion with an unbeaten 173 in fourth innings. He was supported by opener Arthur Morris, who played a stunning knock of 182 runs. Together, they shared a colossal 301-run partnership that completely took the game away from England.
Also READ: Jasprit Bumrah opens up on dropped catches off his bowling in the Headingley Test
