Scoring runs in the fourth innings of a Test match is considered the ultimate challenge. The batters will be put in a challenging environment and they need to think out of the box to defy the odds. History tells us that the majority of the batters fall prey to bowlers in the fourth innings.
Since the pitch deteriorates going into the fifth and final day of a Test match, the batters find it literally tough to go about their business. Moreover, there is unreal pressure on the batting team in the run-chase as they will have plenty of thoughts going through their mind.
This is the beauty of Test cricket. The batting team might look to chase a target or plan to play out for a draw depending on the circumstances. Needless to say, some batters have broken the shackles, held their nerves and displayed caution and aggression in the fourth innings.
In fact, only two batters have scored a double century in a successful run-chase in the history of Test cricket. Notably, those two players belong to the West Indies cricket team. While one has retired from the sport, the other is still playing for the team.
1. Gordon Greenidge
Gordon Greenidge etched his name into record books after he became the first West Indies’ batter to score a double century in a successful run-chase in the history of Test cricket. He achieved the feat against England in the fourth innings by scoring an unbeaten 214* at a phenomenal strike rate of 88.42 in a Test match in 1984.
Greenidge composed his innings with the help of 29 fours and 2 sixes. His surreal innings helped the West Indies cricket team chase down 342. West Indies beat England by nine wickets.
You May Also Like: 3 Indians with the Highest Individual score with a Wicket in ODIs
2. Kyle Mayers
Kyle Mayers is a regular feature for the West Indies cricket team across all three formats of the game. Notably, he became the second player to score a double century in a successful run-chase in the history of Test cricket.
He achieved the feat against Bangladesh in 2021. Mayers scored an unbeaten 210 including 20 fours and 7 sixes and helped West Indies win the game by 3 wickets.
You May Also Like: 3 Batters with most Unbeaten Test Centuries
