The much-awaited fifth and final day of the Leeds Test promises a gripping finish. England, chasing a daunting target of 371 set by India, ended the fourth day at 21 without loss in their second innings. With all 10 wickets intact, England now needs 350 more runs to win. This chase, if successful, would mark their second-highest run chase ever at their home ground and only the second time in 126 years that a 350-plus target has been successfully chased at Leeds. But will it be smooth sailing for England?

India’s Record Defending 350+ Runs

India boasts an impressive record when defending targets of 350 or more in Test cricket. Out of 59 such matches, India has emerged victorious 42 times, lost only once, and drawn 16 times. This dominance underlines India’s capability to hold their nerve in high-pressure run chases.

England’s Recent Home Chasing Form

England has also been formidable at home, winning five of their last six Tests while chasing 200-plus totals under captain Ben Stokes. Their solitary loss in these matches was the famous Birmingham Test in 2022 against India, where they successfully chased 378 runs — their highest chase at home. This history shows England’s resilience in fourth-innings run chases.

Leeds Ground: A Historic Fortress

The Leeds ground, steeped in 126 years of Test history, has witnessed only two successful chases of 350 or more runs. Australia set the precedent in 1948 by chasing 404 runs, and England replicated the feat in 2019 with a 359-run chase against Australia. England now aims to become the third team to conquer such a target at Leeds.

Bowling Will Be Key for India

While the batting and chase records appear balanced, the outcome will heavily depend on India’s bowling attack. Between 2023 and 2025, Indian bowlers have conceded over 450 runs thrice in Tests played in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries, a stark contrast to the 2016-2022 period when this never happened. This suggests the Indian bowling unit faces a stern test in defending the total.

What to Expect on the Final Day

Given the stakes, it is unlikely England will settle for a draw, making an outright result highly probable. Either India will notch their 43rd win defending 350-plus runs or England will script a memorable chase under Stokes’ leadership.