Last Updated on 1 month by Charbel Coorey

The picturesque Adelaide Oval is home to some of the more famous run chases in Tests. This historic venue has played host to some fantastic matches, with spin often playing a role over the years. Since 2015, the day/night Test has been one of the highlights of the Australian summer, where fast bowlers typically enjoy proceedings the most.

“Amazing Adelaide” in 2006 comes to mind when it comes to fantastic run chases at this ground; a miracle win sparked by Glenn McGrath and the late, great Shane Warne on day five.

Top 5 highest successful run chases at Adelaide Oval

However, that run chase of 168 ranks outside the top five highest successful run chases at Adelaide Oval.

5. 187/7 by Australia against New Zealand, 2015 (target 187)

The first ever day/night Test resulted in a tight Australia win. It was a low-scoring game, with New Zealand making 202 and 208 compared to Australia’s 224 and 187/7.

Peter Nevill (66) was the top-scorer in the Test, with Tom Latham and Steve Smith the other half-centurions. In the chase, Australia strung enough partnerships after falling into trouble at 66/3, with Adam Voges (28), Shaun Marsh (49) and Mitch Marsh (28) making important contributions.

4. 233/6 by India against Australia, 2003 (target 230)

One of India’s finest wins. After Australia notched up 556 courtesy mainly of Ricky Ponting’s superb 242, Rahul Dravid (233) and India responded with a big total of their own (523). Chasing 230, Dravid was superb again, hitting 72* to steer India home.

Along with Dravid’s brilliance, Ajit Agarkar also had a match to remember. The pace bowler took apart the great Australian lineup in the third innings, taking 6/41 to help dismiss the hosts for 196.

“When you’re batting well, you’re never tired,” said Dravid when reminiscing of his innings, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

3. 233/4 by West Indies against Australia, 1951 (target 233)

The 1951 Test between Australia and West Indies was a difficult one for the batsmen. Australia’s first innings yielded just 82, followed by just 105 by the West Indies. Frank Worrell (6/38) and Bill Johnston (6/62) were the chief destroyers.

Australia fared better in the second innings, with Doug Ring (67) and Arthur Morris (45) top scoring in their score of 255. On a pitch that got better for batting, West Indies then chased down the 233 nicely, with every one of their top six scoring above 25 to seal a win by six wickets on Christmas Day.

2. 239/5 by West Indies against Australia, 1982 (target 236)

West Indies again, this time 31 years later. The mighty Windies at the peak of their power prevailed over a fighting Australian team, led by the great Allan Border’s 78 and 126.

After falling to 17/4 in the first innings, Australia recovered to 238 against Michael Holding (5/72) and Andy Roberts (4/43). In response, West Indies made 389 courtesy of Larry Gomes’ 124*, but were left needing to chase a tricky total due to Australia’s big third innings score of 386.

However, the Windies were in control after Desmond Haynes was dismissed with the score on 7. The Australians had hope after dismissing Viv Richards to leave the Windies 114/3, but Clive Lloyd (77*), Larry Gomes (21) and Faoud Bacchus (27) kept the hosts at bay.

1. 315/6 by Australia against England, 1902 (target 315)

The only successful chase of 300+ at Adelaide Oval came way back in 1902. England took a first innings lead after hitting 388 and then bowling Australia out for 321. After then making 247 in their second innings, England left the hosts needing a difficult 315 to win.

The Australians managed to get the job done despite losing their first three wickets before the score reached 100. Clem Hill (97), skipper Joe Darling (69) and Hugh Trumble (62*) led the way as Australia reached the target with four wickets to spare and take a 2-1 series lead.

However, a big factor in the result was injury to Sydney Barnes. Barnes, who has the best average of any bowler with at least 150 Test wickets, bowled just seven overs before succumbing to a knee injury.

“t was in this match – a protracted struggle that lasted into the sixth day- that Barnes’s knee gave way. He broke down on the second afternoon and, as events turned out, took no further part in the tour,” read the match report, as published by ESPNcricinfo.