IND vs AUS: What is highest successful run-chase at Melbourne Cricket Ground in Test cricket?

The ongoing Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground has been a thrilling contest, with the outcome hanging in the balance. The game has seen momentum shift back and forth, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Australia took control in their first innings, led by Sam Konstas' explosive 65, followed by solid contributions from Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne, who scored 57 and 72 runs respectively.

However, it was Steve Smith's magnificent 140 that propelled Australia to a total of 474. In response, Yashasvi Jaiswal's impressive 82 laid a strong foundation for India. Despite losing early wickets, Washington Sundar and Nitish Reddy's partnership of 127 runs for the eighth wicket kept India in the game. The young Reddy continued his fine form, scoring a brilliant 114 runs to reduce India's deficit to 105 runs.

On Day 4, Jasprit Bumrah made history by becoming the fastest Indian pacer to reach 200 Test wickets. Despite his milestone, Australia has built a lead of over 200 runs. As the target continues to grow, the question remains: how much can India chase down? 

The highest successful run-chase at the MCG in Test cricket history belongs to England, who chased down 332 runs in 1928. Out of the 34 successful chases at the MCG, England (8) and Australia (21) have achieved this feat a total of 29 times. Notably, South Africa also managed to chase down 295 runs in February 1953 to secure victory by six wickets.

Among teams from the sub-continent, only India has successfully chased a target at the MCG, accomplishing this once in December 2020 when they chased down 70 runs to win by eight wickets.

In the 21st century, aside from India, only the Proteas have managed to achieve successful run-chases at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) by a visiting team. The Proteas accomplished this feat by chasing down 183 runs to secure a victory by nine wickets.

Throughout the history of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, there have been a total of 19 successful run-chases. India has been featured in 12 of these instances, showcasing their prowess in chasing down targets. Impressively, nine out of the top 11 successful chases belong to India. In matches held in Australia, India has successfully chased down targets of over 200 runs twice and over 300 runs once.

One of the most memorable moments in the history of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy occurred during the historic Brisbane Test in January 2021. India achieved a remarkable victory by successfully chasing down 328 runs. Additionally, in 2003, India showcased their chasing abilities by successfully pursuing a target of 230 runs at the Adelaide Oval, with Rahul Dravid's double century in the first innings playing a crucial role in their victory.

Also read| IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma loses cool after Yashasvi Jaiswal drops Marnus Labuschagne's catch on Day 4 - Watch