What Is The Highest Target Set In Test Cricket?

Setting up a target in test cricket implies how dominating a team has been throughout the game and also how batting friendly a pitch is to completely bat the opposition out of the match. 

Let's take a look at the top five highest targets set in the history of test cricket: 

1) West Indies vs England, 1930:

In 1930, England toured West Indies and set the highest target in test cricket - 836 in front of the hosts. England, in the first innings, score 849 runs and bundled out West Indies for 286. In the 2nd innings, England declared their innings at 272/9. The match ended in a draw as West Indies scored 408/5 before the stumps were called. 

2) West Indies vs Australia, 1969:

West Indies toured Australia in 1969. In the 5th test, Australia gave a target of 735 for the West Indies to chase. The hosts had earlier scored 619 runs in the first innings and bowled West Indies out for 279. In the 2nd innings, Australia declared at 394/8. While chasing a mammoth 735, West Indies got all out for 352 and Australia won the test match. 

3) England vs South Africa, 1939: 

In England's tour of South Africa back in 1939, host South Africa set the highest target in test cricket - 696. South Africa had made 530 runs in the first innings then bowled out England for 316. In the 2nd innings, they again score 481 runs to set a target of 696. The match ended in a draw as England scored 654/5 before the stumps were called. 

4) England vs Australia, 2006: 

During the 1st test of the Ashes 2006, Australia set the target of 648 runs against England. They had scored 602/9D in the first innings and bowled England out for just 157. In the 2nd innings, Australia smashed 202/1D to set up a target of 648. England, in reply, got all out for 370. 

5) Australia vs England, 1924: 

Also Read: Ashes 2021-22 - England vs Australia Schedule and Squads

In the 1st test of the Ashes 1924, Australia set England a target of 605 runs against England. In the first innings, Australia had hit 450 and bundled out England for 298. They again hit 452 to set a total of 605. England could only 411 before getting all out.