What is the highest run chase in Tests for England under Ben Stokes during the Bazball period?
The notion of pursuing high scores in Test cricket used to be regarded as a frantic final resort, not something any team would strategize. However, since June 2022, when Brendon McCullum assumed the role of England’s Test coach and Ben Stokes became captain, that outdated mindset has been entirely transformed and Bazball become one of the most threating for England opponents.
With a daring and confident mindset, England now views chasing as a legitimate winning tactic, rather than a risk. They not only pursue goals; they take pleasure in doing so. They currently favor pursuing, even during high-pressure situations. And they have achieved great success in doing so.
A couple of days ago, they displayed it once more. In the opening Test versus India at Headingley, England confidently and aggressively pursued a challenging target of 371. That victory contributed another 250-plus chase to their expanding collection.
With the second Test currently underway, having started on July 4, all attention is focused on if Stokes’ team can maintain their high-risk, high-reward strategy.
The Bazball impact: What is England’s top chase in Test matches with Ben Stokes?
Here are the successful fourth-innings chases that England has accomplished during the Stokes-McCullum era:
| 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 |
England’s successful chase of 378 against India is the highest in their history.
FAQ
What is England’s highest successful Test chase?
England’s record chase is 378/3 against India at Birmingham (July 2022) in the Stokes-McCullum era. This broke previous records and showcased Bazball’s effectiveness in pursuing daunting targets.
 How many 250+ targets has England chased under Bazball?
England has successfully chased five 250+ totals in the fourth innings since mid-2022, including three against New Zealand and two against India.
 What is Bazball in cricket?
Bazball is England’s aggressive Test cricket strategy under coach Brendon McCullum (“Baz”) and captain Ben Stokes. Since June 2022, England has embraced high-risk, attacking cricket—treating large run chases as opportunities, not last resorts. This mindset shift has made them a dominant force in Test matches.
Why is England’s approach called “Bazball”?
The term combines Brendon McCullum’s nickname (“Baz”) and “ball” (referencing baseball’s aggressive “swing for the fences” style). It embodies England’s fearless batting, rapid scoring, and tactical boldness in Tests—traits rarely seen before 2022.
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