IND vs ENG Flashback: When India chased down 387 to shock the visitors
England toured India for the two-match Test series during the 2008-09 season. It was a pretty tough time for India as the wounds of the terrorist attack in Mumbai on 26/11 were fresh. The country was shocked and honouring their commitment despite the grim situation, England graciously decided to tour after being convinced by the security in India.
The first Test was scheduled to be played in Chennai and England decided to bat first after opting to bat first. Andrew Strauss slammed a brilliant century scoring 123 runs opening the innings and propelled the team’s score to 316 runs. In reply, much to everyone’s surprise, India were skittled for 241 runs thanks to a collective effort from England’s bowling attack.
However, in the second innings, the visitors were reduced to 43/3 and there was a chance for India to make a comeback. This is when Strauss once again stood up along with Paul Collingwood as the duo added a mammoth 214 runs for the fourth wicket. Both the batsmen notched up sensational centuries and at one stage, it looked like England will bat India out.
But there was still another twist in the tale as after breaking the stubborn fourth-wicket stand, England collapsed as they lost their last seven wickets for just 54 runs. They were bowled out for 311 runs in the second innings setting India a target of 387 runs which looked improbable to chase in the fourth innings on a Chepauk wicket.
But then, India had a star-studded batting line-up and they all stood up against the odds to bring a smile on the fans’ faces during the toughest times of the country. Sehwag launched an assault on England first scoring 83 runs off just 68 balls. He and Gautam Gambhir added 117 runs for the opening wicket with the latter also scoring a half-century.
Sachin Tendulkar’s 41st Test hundred helped India to chase down Massive 387 Against England in Chennai .#HappyBirthdaySachinpic.twitter.com/o4bJwUb5Gt
— Sports Freak (@OfficialSfreak) April 24, 2020
Rahul Dravid (4) and VVS Laxman (26) and at 224/4, things were in balance with India still needing 163 runs. And then came Sachin Tendulkar took control of the proceedings with Yuvraj Singh to bat excellently for the rest of the innings. Tendulkar scored a brilliant century and remained unbeaten on 103 while Yuvi supported him well smashing 85* as they added a match-winning 163 for the fifth wicket.
The win was so important for the spirits of the whole country and it is still the highest successful run-chase in India in Tests ever. Memorably, Tendulkar dedicated his century to the victims of the terrorist attack.
