Has any team chased a target of 500+ runs in test cricket?

One of the hardest tasks in test cricket is to chase the target.

The longest format of the game, test cricket is called as the pinnacle of the game, and the reason behind that is the kind of skills it requires to ace the format. Over the years, we have seen several players giving their best, and despite that, they have struggled, which reveals why this format is called the toughest in the game. 

Test cricket has made careers for a lot of players, and also has acted as a place that ended the careers of a lot of players as well. Winning a game in this format requires a lot of effort, and the entire team needs to chip in at some point to register the win. 

One of the hardest tasks in test cricket is to score runs in the fourth innings to chase a target. This is because over of course of innings, the condition of the pitch deteriorates and hence the batting becomes tough in the fourth innings. Both the pacers and the fast bowlers are in play in the last innings, and it requires a humongous effort from batters to get to the target. 

Has any team chased a target of 500+ runs in test cricket? 

There have been several instances in the game where teams have come up with incredible performances in the fourth innings. There have been several famous chases as well, but when it comes to targets of over 500, no one in the history of the game has done that. 

England were on the verge of creating history in 1939. They were chasing the target of 696 runs, and they were terrific with the bat as they piled up 654/5 runs. However, the game ended in a draw as not enough time was there. 

South Africa have come close to it as well as they were about to chase 458 against India in 2013. The game between the two teams took place in Johannesburg, and the home side came up with a terrific effort 

Faf du Plessis and AB de Villiers hit tons and South Africa slammed 450 runs. However, the game ended in a draw and it remains one of the best games in the history of the longest format of the game.

Highest run chases in test cricket 

The highest run chase in test cricket belongs to the West Indies. During a game against Australia at Antigua in 2003, they chased a huge target of 414 runs. South Africa are second on the list with the chase of 414 against Australia at WACA, Perth in 2008.

Here’s the full list:

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