The idea of chasing big scores in Test cricket was once seen as a desperate last option, something no team would plan for. But since June 2022, when Brendon McCullum took over as England’s Test coach and Ben Stokes stepped in as captain, that old thinking has been flipped completely.
With a bold and fearless approach, England now sees chasing as a genuine winning strategy, not a gamble. They don’t just chase targets, they enjoy doing it. They now prefer to chase, even in pressure moments. And they’ve been very successful at it.
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Just a few days ago, they showed it again. In the first Test against India at Headingley, England chased down a tricky target of 371 with confidence and aggression. That win added another 250-plus chase to their growing list.
Now, with the second Test already in progress, which began on July 4, all eyes are on whether Stokes’ side can continue their high-risk, high-reward approach.
The Bazball effect: What is England's highest chase in Tests under Ben Stokes?
Below are the fourth-innings chases England has successfully completed under the Stokes-McCullum era:
MORE: India vs England: Top 10 highest partnerships in Test cricket history listed
| Score | Opposition | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 378/3 | India | Birmingham | 2022 |
| 373/5 | India | Headingley | 2025 |
| 299/5 | New Zealand | Nottingham | 2022 |
| 296/3 | New Zealand | Leeds | 2022 |
| 279/5 | New Zealand | Lord's | 2022 |
The chase of 378 against India is England's highest successful chase of all time.