England’s recent surge in successful large run chases has redefined the boundaries of Test cricket, with the team’s fearless “Bazball” approach under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum delivering some of the most memorable victories in the format’s history. The latest triumph—chasing down 371 against India at Headingley in 2025—cements England’s reputation as masters of the fourth innings chase, joining a select group of teams that have repeatedly rewritten the record books.
England’s highest successful run chases in Test cricket History:
- 387 vs India, Bimringham in 2022: England’s highest successful run chase in men’s Test cricket was recorded at Edgbaston (Birmingham) in July 2022, when they chased down a daunting target of 378 against India, finishing at 378/3 in a display of aggressive and fearless batting led by Joe Root (142*) and Jonny Bairstow (114*). The recent Headingley Test in 2025 saw England chase 371 against India to win by five wickets, making 373/5 their second-highest successful run chase in Tests—both of these record chases have come against India under the leadership of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.
- 373 vs India, Leeds in 2025: England achieved the second-highest successful run chase in their men’s Test history on English soil by chasing down 373 against India at Headingley, Leeds, during the 2025 Test series. In a thrilling contest that went down to the final session of the fifth day, England secured victory by five wickets, largely thanks to Ben Duckett’s sensational 149 and a composed unbeaten 53 from Joe Root, who guided the team home with Jamie Smith providing the finishing touches. This remarkable pursuit not only marked a historic win for England but also made it only the third Test in history where every innings produced over 350 runs, underscoring the match’s dramatic and record-setting nature.
- 362 vs Australia, Leeds in 2019: England’s remarkable successful chase of 362 against Australia at Leeds in the 2019 Ashes series stands as one of their most extraordinary Test victories, sealed by a historic one-wicket win thanks to Ben Stokes’ unbeaten 135 and Jack Leach’s resolute final-wicket support. This chase is officially the third-highest successful run chase ever achieved by England in men’s Test cricket history, trailing only the 378 against India at Edgbaston in 2022 and the 332 against Australia at Melbourne in 1928. The match, remembered for its high drama and Stokes’ heroics, will forever be etched in Ashes folklore as one of the greatest Test matches ever played.
- 332 vs Australia, Melbourne in 1928: England’s successful chase of 332 against Australia at Melbourne in the 3rd Test of the 1928–29 Ashes series marked a historic achievement, as England reached the target with three wickets in hand at the end of the seventh day, in what was a timeless Test. This remains one of the highest successful run chases in England’s Test history against Australia, and at the time, it was a notable feat in the context of the era’s batting conditions and match durations. While more recent chases have surpassed this total, England’s 332-run pursuit in 1928/29 still stands out as a classic, especially considering the team’s eventual 4–1 series win and the dominance of their batting line-up led by Wally Hammond.
- 315 vs Australia, Leeds in 2001: England’s successful chase of 315 against Australia at Leeds in 2001 stands as the fifth-highest fourth-innings target ever achieved by England men in Test cricket history. Chasing the total on the final day, England were led by Mark Butcher’s unbeaten 173, which steered the team to a memorable six-wicket victory and denied Australia a series whitewash. his remarkable chase remains a celebrated moment in Ashes folklore.
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England’s latest triumph at Headingley, chasing down 371 against India, not only cements their reputation for bold, attacking cricket but also underlines the remarkable evolution of Test match run chases. With two of their three highest successful pursuits now coming under the leadership of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, England have redefined what is possible in the fourth innings. As teams continue to play with more aggression and belief, the boundaries of Test cricket’s traditional challenges are being pushed further than ever before—making every chase a potential classic and every finish worth watching.
