With India and England locked in another dramatic Test at The Oval, fans are beginning to ask the age-old question: just how high a total can you chase at this ground?
With cloudy skies, seam bowling and an unpredictable surface already producing plenty of drama, the idea of a fourth-innings chase looms large.
With India currently holding a slim lead after day two and plenty of batting and drama still to come, the possibility of a tense fourth-innings chase remains very much alive.
Highest successful run chases at The Oval in Tests
Let's take a look at the top 10 list.
| Rank | Team | Target | Score | Wickets | Opponent | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | England | 263 | 263/9 | 1 wicket left | Australia | 1902 |
| 2 | West Indies | 253 | 255/2 | 8 wickets left | England | 1963 |
| 3 | Australia | 242 | 242/5 | 5 wickets left | England | 1972 |
| 4 | West Indies | 225 | 226/2 | 8 wickets left | England | 1988 |
| 5 | Sri Lanka | 219 | 219/2 | 8 wickets left | England | 2024 |
| 6 | England | 204 | 205/2 | 8 wickets left | South Africa | 1994 |
| 7 | England | 197 | 198/4 | 6 wickets left | South Africa | 2008 |
| 8 | India | 173 | 174/6 | 4 wickets left | England | 1971 |
| 9 | England | 163 | 164/6 | 4 wickets left | South Africa | 1951 |
| 10 | Pakistan | 148 | 148/6 | 4 wickets left | England | 2010 |
Can this India vs England Test match join the list?
With India ending day two at 52 runs ahead and Yashasvi Jaiswal looking in touch after a fast-paced fifty, a scenario is brewing where England could face a tricky fourth-innings chase. The pitch at The Oval traditionally offers decent bounce but tends to slow down late in the game.
This brings spinners and scoreboard pressure into play. If India bat long enough on day three and England are left to chase anything above 250, we might be looking at a fourth-innings target that threatens the long-standing 263-run record from 1902.
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For now though, India are in a better position - especially with Chris Woakes ruled out and England's fielding looking ragged. But with a line-up full of aggressive batters and the memories of Headingley still fresh, don't rule out a dramatic chase attempt if it comes to that.
The Oval has seen history before and it just might again.