The ongoing Test match between India and Australia at Optus Stadium in Perth is poised to challenge the record books, particularly regarding the highest successful run chase at this venue.
As of now, no team has successfully chased down a target in the fourth innings at this ground, with all four Test matches played here resulting in victories for the team batting first.
What Score does Australia have to chase to win?
In the first Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australia faces a daunting task: chasing down India’s target of 533 runs.
This would not only require them to break their own record for the highest successful chase in Australia but also to create history at Optus Stadium, where the highest total achieved in the fourth innings was 333 runs by the West Indies against Australia, which ended in a loss by 164 runs.
Historical Overview
Since its inauguration as a Test venue in 2018, Optus Stadium has hosted four Test matches, all won by the home side. Here are some key statistics:
- Total Tests Played: 4
- Matches Won by Australia: 4
- Matches Won by Visiting Teams: 0
- Matches Drawn: 0
- Highest Team Score: 598/4 declared by Australia against West Indies (2022)
- Lowest Team Score: 89 all out by Pakistan (2023)
- Highest Individual Score: 204 by Marnus Labuschagne (2022)
- Best Bowling Figures (Innings): 6/56 by Mohammed Shami (2018)
Highest Successful Run Chases in Australia
The highest successful run chase in Australian Test history occurred at the WACA Ground, where South Africa chased down a target of 414 runs against Australia in 2008.
This record highlights the difficulty teams face when attempting to chase substantial totals on Australian soil.
Here’s a list of notable successful fourth-innings run chases in Australia:
- 414 runs – South Africa vs. Australia, WACA Ground, 2008
- 369 runs – Australia vs. Pakistan, Hobart, 1999
- 339 runs – Australia vs. India, WACA Ground, 1977
- 332 runs – England vs. Australia, Melbourne, 1928
- 328 runs – India vs. Australia, Brisbane, 2021
Challenges Ahead
As the match progresses, Australia’s batting lineup must overcome significant challenges posed by India’s bowling attack and the pitch conditions at Optus Stadium.
Historically known for its pace and bounce, this venue has proven difficult for teams batting fourth.
The pressure is mounting on Australia to achieve a record chase and maintain their dominance at home against a resurgent Indian side that has shown remarkable form throughout the series.
