India face a record chase at the MCG
Photo : AP
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- India aims to defy history at MCG
- India are aiming to take a 2-1 lead
- India have chased 300+ totals only thrice in history
The fifth day of the fourth Test between India and Australia on Monday (December 30) at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will be the last day of cricketing action in 2024 and could be the most exciting day of action with an blockbuster end to the match in-store with all three results possible as both teams aim to take a vital 2-1 lead in the series.
At the end of play in Day 4, Australia are 333 runs ahead with one wicket remaining. While the 10th wicket partnership of Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland has put up a 50-run partnership, it is expected that either Australia will declare overnight. If not, it should not take long for India to wrap up th innings.
If India chases down the total, it will be the highest successful chase at the MCG in history. The previous record is held by England, who successfully won a match in 1928 by chasing down 332. India could become the first time in 96 years to chase a total of above 300 at the MCG and the first in 63 years to chase down a total above 250. India will also need to complete the fourth-highest run-chase in Australia as well.
Highest Fourth Innings Chase At MCG
| Team |
Total |
Year |
| England vs Australia |
332/7 |
1928 |
| England vs Australia |
298/4 |
1895 |
| South Africa vs Australia |
297/4 |
1953 |
Highest Successful Fourth Inning Chase In Australia
| Team |
Total |
Year |
Ground |
| South Africa vs Australia |
414/4 |
2008 |
Perth |
| Australia vs Pakistan |
369/6 |
1999 |
Hobart |
| Australia vs India |
342/8 |
1977 |
Perth |
| England vs Australia |
332/7 |
1928 |
Melbourne |
India will also need to complete their third-highest run chase in history and chase a total of above 300 for only the fourth time in history. The Asian giants have previously scored a score of above 333 on 14 instances (thirice in Australia) in the fourth innings. Their highest total in the last innings of 445 came in Australia but in defeat at Adelaide in 1978.
Highest Successful Fourth-Innings Chase by India
| Opponent |
Score |
Year |
Venue |
| West Indies |
406/4 |
1976 |
Port of Spain |
| England |
387/4 |
2008 |
Chennai |
| Australia |
329/7 |
2021 |
Brisbane |
| West Indies |
276/5 |
2011 |
Delhi |
| Sri Lanka |
264/3 |
2001 |
Kandy |
Meanwhile, India are aiming to be the first visiting team in 139 years to complete a hat-trick of victories at the MCG against Australia. The only other instance of the same happening was when England won thrice in a row at the iconic venue between 1883 and 1885.
A win also ensures India have retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) for the fifth time in a row. Before the current streak by India, no team had kept hold of the elusive prize more than twice in a row.
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