The second Test between India and England has now reached an exciting stage. By the end of Day 3, India had gained a commanding lead of 244 runs over the hosts. Batting first, India posted a mammoth total of 587 on the board, thanks to a brilliant double century by Shubman Gill. In reply, England were bowled out for 407. During their innings, Harry Brook and Jamie Smith stitched together a marathon partnership of 303 runs.
After securing a first-innings lead of 180 runs, India ended the day at 64/1 in their second innings. This took their overall lead to 244 runs. Now, the big question is — what should be the ideal target for India to set for England in the fourth innings?
After witnessing England comfortably chase down 371 runs in the first Test at Leeds, Shubman Gill and his team would certainly not want to give the hosts a target below 400.
India’s focus will be on batting for as many sessions as possible. With six sessions still left in the match, Team India will look to bat for at least two and a half more sessions and bring England out to bat late on Day 4. In this scenario, India will aim to set a target close to 500 runs, making the chase extremely difficult for the English side on the final day.
As for the highest successful run-chases at Edgbaston, the record is 378, achieved by England against India in 2022. England had won that match by a massive 7-wicket margin.
However, apart from that instance, no team has successfully chased a target over 300 at Edgbaston. That’s why India won’t want to take any risks and will aim to add at least 250 more runs on Day 4.
Highest Run-Chases at Edgbaston:
- England – 378/3 vs India, 2022
- Australia – 282/8 vs England, 2023
- England – 211/3 vs New Zealand, 1999
- West Indies – 157/3 vs England, 1991
