Test cricket is the most long and challenging form of the game. It is referred to as the best level of cricket because it requires fantastic skills to win. Numerous players have given their all in this form, but few have mastered it. That illustrates how challenging it is to play Test cricket.
Years after years, Test cricket has made the career of numerous cricketers. It has also ended the career of some of them. To win a Test match, it requires a whole team's effort. Every player must contribute at some stage to lead their team towards victory.
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Why Fourth Innings Run Chases Are So Difficult
One of the toughest tasks in Test cricket is run-chasing in the fourth innings. That is because by the fourth innings, the pitch is rough and harder to play on. The ball moves differently, and it is hard for batters. The fast bowlers and spinners also gain assistance from the surface, and runs are hard to come by. A lot of work and concentration is required to chase a score in the fourth innings.
So, has any side pursued a target of 500 or above in Test cricket? The answer is no. There have been numerous incredible performances with the bat in the fourth innings of a Test match, but no side has pursued a 500+ target in the game's history.
England was very close to doing it in 1939. They were following on and achieved 654 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their pursuit of 696 runs. However, the game resulted in a draw since time expired.
A similar near-miss occurred in 2013 when South Africa nearly chased 458 against India in Johannesburg. The host team batted superbly with AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis scoring tons. South Africa scored 450 runs, but once again, the game was a draw. That game is still regarded as one of the greatest Test matches of all time.
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What Is the Highest Successful Chase in Test History?
| Date | Team | Against | Target | Venue |
| 09/05/2003 | West Indies | Australia | 418 | Antigua |
| 17/12/2008 | South Africa | Australia | 414 | WACA |
| 22/07/1948 | Australia | England | 404 | Headingley |
| 07/04/1976 | India | West Indies | 403 | Queen’s Park Oval |
| 03/02/2021 | West Indies | Bangladesh | 395 | Zahur Ahmed Stadium |
| 14/07/2017 | Sri Lanka | Zimbabwe | 388 | R. Premadasa Stadium |
The largest Test cricket chase was accomplished by the West Indies. In 2003, they chased 418 runs against Australia at Antigua. That is the highest successful run chase in Test cricket history.
South Africa are second. They chased 414 runs against Australia in 2008 at the WACA Ground in Perth. Both of these matches are regarded as some of the greatest moments in Test history.
