Rohit Sharma’s India has set a formidable target of 399 runs for Ben Stokes’ England in their endeavour to level the ongoing five-match Test series.
The second Test, being played at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, provides India with an opportunity to level the series after losing the series opener in Hyderabad by 28 runs.
Shubman Gill emerged as a key contributor in India’s second innings, smashing a brilliant century in his 22nd Test appearance. Gill’s ton and Axar Patel‘s valuable 45, along with the 143-run lead from the first innings, helped India setting a daunting target against the touring party.
If England manages to chase 399, it will be the highest successful run chase in Test cricket in India.
James Anderson confident England can pull off a record chase in Vizag
Experienced England fast bowler James Anderson, reflecting on the conclusion of the third day’s play, observed that India exhibited a sense of caution in the second innings. He noted that the nerves were evident, particularly when setting a target against England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach.
“The way they batted, they didn’t know how many was enough. They were quite cautious, even when they had a big lead,” commented Anderson on India’s batting performance.
Anderson exuded confidence about his team’s prospects in the game, mirroring the mindset fostered under the leadership of Stokes. Drawing parallels to England’s successful chase of 378 against India in Birmingham in 2022, Anderson shared insights into the team’s strategy.
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“The chat last night from the coach (Brendon McCullum) was that if they get 600, we were going to go for it. It makes it very clear to everyone that we will try to do it tomorrow. I know there are 180 overs left in the game, but we will try to do it in 60 or 70. That’s the way we play, and we saw that tonight with Rehan (Ahmed) going out and playing his shots,” explained Anderson.
He added: “Whether we win or lose, it’s not relevant because we are extremely competitive and want to win every game we play, but we want to play in a certain way.”
Here are the top 5 successful Test run chases in India
- 387/4 by India against England in Chennai in 2008
- 276/5 by West Indies against India in Delhi in 1987
- 276/5 by India against West Indies in Delhi in 2011
- 262/5 by India against New Zealand in Bengaluru in 2012
- 256/8 by India against Australia in Brabourne in 2010