History beckons in WTC Final 2023? List of highest 4th innings totals in Tests at The Oval?

The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final that's being played between Australia and India at The Oval in London, England is set to reach its crescendo as we are on Day 4 of 'The Ultimate Test.'

Much of the talk preceding the game was regarding what the pitch would offer, would the conditions be overcast, and would the pitch become spin-friendly as the game progressed. All that led to a lot of emphasis being placed on the toss. 

India won the toss and opted to field first. And it seemed like a good toss to win initially. Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj were troubling the openers with the new ball. Australia lost their third wicket at 76, but the fortunes turned upside down as Steve Smith and Travis Head put on an incredible 285-run stand for the 4th wicket to put them firmly in the driver's seat.

MORE: LIVE updates from Day 4 of the WTC Final 2023

In the end, the Aussies posted 469 runs in the 1st innings. In reply, India didn't get off an ideal start, reeling at 71-4 and then 152-6. But Ajinkya Rahane and Shardul Thakur offered a lot of resistance and put on a 109-run stand for the 7th wicket. India were bundled out for 296, handing Australia a mammoth 173-run lead and a huge advantage heading into the second half of the Test.

Australia have set India a target of 444 which is a stiff ask. With that in mind, let's take a look at the highest 4th innings totals registered at The Oval and if India have a chance of chasing down the target that the Aussies would set.

What are the highest 4th innings totals at The Oval?

Coincidentally, India hold the record for scoring the highest number of runs in the 4th innings of a Test at The Oval, all the way back in 1979.

England scored 305 runs in the 1st innings and earned a lead of 103 runs after India were dismissed for 202 runs. In the 2nd innings, England put on 334 runs on the board and declared to set India a daunting target of 438. India almost chased this total down as they scored 429 runs at the loss of eight wickets. Sunil Gavaskar scored a memorable double century, but the game ended in a draw.

In recent years, India were once again set a target in excess of 400. England set India a target of 464 in 2018.

After struggling in the chase at 121-5, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant gave India a glimmer of hope with their 204-run partnership, but that wasn't enough as India were all out on 345, losing the game by 118 runs.

MORE: Bet here in India on the World Test Championship Final

Highest successful run chases at The Oval