List of highest successful run chases in Tests at the MCG

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The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has played host to 117 Test matches in its proud history. There have been countless memorable performances spanning decades, with the Boxing Day Test one of the best occasions on the Australian sporting calendar.

Batting last at this ground has often proven to be tricky over the years. However, there have been some superb run chases at the famous MCG. In this article, we’ll look at the top five.

Top 5 highest successful run chases in Tests at the MCG

5. England 282/9 vs Australia, 1908

We have to go way back to 1908 for the fifth-highest successful run chase in Tests at the MCG. England won an absolute thriller, chasing 282 with one wicket to spare courtesy of contributions right down the batting order. In fact, only George Gunn (0) was dismissed for a single figure score, with Frederick Fane top scoring with 50. Then, the great Sydney Barnes (38*) and Arthur Fielder (18*) combined for 39 runs for the final wicket.

Earlier in the Test, Kenneth Hutchings’ 126 helped England gain a 116-run lead. Australia then had five half-centurions in their reply to leave the tourists with 282 to win.

4. Australia 287/5 vs England, 1929

Sir Donald Bradman struck one of his 29 total Test centuries during the 1929 MCG Test against England. After England hit a mammoth 519 in their first innings, Australia replied with 491 to stay in with a shout of victory. Led by Thomas Wall’s 5/66, the Australians then knocked England over for 257, leaving them with 286 to chase.

In the fourth innings, all of Australia’s seven batsmen hit double-figure scores, with John Ryder (57* off 172 balls) and Sir Donald Bradman (37* off 89 balls) putting on an unbroken 83-run stand to seal the five-wicket win.

3. South Africa 297/4 vs Australia, 1953

South Africa have blessed fans with magnificent players throughout their cricketing history. That was the case in 1953 as the tourists pulled off a superb chase of their 295-run target with a huge six wickets to spare.

The South Africans had contributions from their batting order right through this Test. They have five half-centurions in their first-innings total of 435 in response to Australia’s huge 520. Then, Edward Fuller (5/66) helped produce a third-innings heist by dismissing the Australians for just 209 which opened the door for a South Africa win. In the end, William Endean (70) and Roy McLean (76*) led the way to seal victory.

2. England 298/4 vs Australia, 1895

The fifth Test of the 1894-95 Ashes series belond to England. Yet again, a big first innings score ended up in defeat after Australia hit 414 with Joseph Darling (74) and Syd Gregory (70) the top-scorers. Archibald MacLaren (120) led the way in England’s response as they hit 385 to stay close to par on the first innings.

In the all-important third innings, Thomas Richardson (6/104) toiled effectively for 45.2 overs to help dismiss Australia for 267. In reply, Albert Ward (93) and John Brown (140) put on 210 for the third wicket to all but seal the chase.

1. England 332/7 vs Australia, 1928

The only successful run chase of over 300 at the MCG came way back in 1928. England took a 20-run lead in the first innings thanks to the great Wally Hammond’s 200 in their total of 417. Australia then responded with a solid 351 with William Woodfull (107) and Sir Donald Bradman (112) hitting tons. But, Herbert Sutcliffe had the final say, batting 462 balls in the fourth innings for his 135 to help seal the chase with three wickets to spare.

In terms of the most recent chases, India were the last team to win batting last at the MCG. They needed just 70 to win in 2020. The previous successful chase was by Australia in the 2013/14 Ashes, where they knocked off 231 with eight wickets to spare.

The highest since 1953? Australia’s 258/8 against West Indies in 1961.