India no stranger to a miracle chase
Ravi Shastri was coach when a spare-parts India side somehow chased down 329 runs to beat the Aussies at the Gabba in the 2020-21 series finale.
Shastri says on Fox that game is still playing on Aussie minds and it could cost them victory here:
“I think if [India] draw this game, it’s thanks to Australia. I think Australia are still thinking of that Gabba chase — the 155 India got in the last session — that’s why they didn’t declare. I think Australia should have declared.
“They might still win the game, they’re favourites to win this game, then there’s draw and then there’s an India win. I reckon Australia will continue batting today, just for the simple reason that if they wanted to take the attack to the Indians they should have declared last night.
“What it tells the Indian dressing room is they’re worried about you.”
What are the highest successful run chases in MCG Tests?
India is going to have to make some history to chase down the victory target today, with Australia’s 333-run lead already requiring a record to track down.
Here are the top 10 successful run chases in Tests at the Melbourne Cricket Ground:
- 332 by England in 1928
- 298 by England in 1895
- 297 by South Africa in 1953
- 287 vs England in 1929
- 282 by England in 1908
- 260 vs West Indies in 1951
- 258 vs West Indies in 1961
- 237 by England in 1962
- 231 vs England in 2013
- 219 by England in 1911
You’ll notice only one of those scores (231 in 2013) came in the past 60 years. So that’s the magnitude of the mountain in front of India today, albeit on a pitch that’s still playing very well for batter.
It is also worth noting Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar also starred in a record 329-run chase for India at the Gabba in 2021, which may be in the back of Australian minds.
Lock in for a big final day
Hell and welcome to the final day of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
Australia leads by 333 runs, with one wicket left.
Will they declare before play and give them a full day to take 10 wickets for victory, but risk India having enough time to chase down the record score? Or will they bat on, bowl India out of the game completely and back themselves to run through the Indian line-up?
Let’s find out together!
