The Last Day of a Test Match: Chasing, Saving and Declaration Tactics
The fifth day of a Test match is often the most dramatic in cricket — with four possible results still available, both sides must manage time, wickets and runs with precision.
The fifth day of a Test match is unique in cricket — it is the only time in sport where a draw remains a legitimate, tactically active result. With a win, a loss, a draw or a tie all mathematically possible, the last day demands intelligent decision-making from both captains.
Setting a Target and Declaring
The team in front sets a target by declaring their second innings — the calculation must balance giving the opposition enough runs to chase (and risk losing wickets trying) while not setting so few that they simply bat out for a draw. A typical last-day target is set at 90–100 runs per session available, leaving the batting side unable to defend without attacking.
Batting for a Draw
When a batting side needs to save a Test match, the final pair's ability to bat out the remaining overs is everything. The batting team moves its best defensive batters lower in the order to protect the tail, and tail-enders learn to play straight, leave wide deliveries and occupy the crease rather than attempt to score. A draw is a full point in the World Test Championship.
Chasing a Target on Day Five
A run chase on the final day is the purest test of aggressive batting against the odds. If the pitch is deteriorating and the ball is turning, a chase of 200+ requires calculated aggression — scoring fast enough to keep ahead of the required run rate while losing wickets at a pace the tail can handle. The team batting last on a turning pitch is always at a disadvantage.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if a Test match finishes in a draw?
Both teams receive six World Test Championship points for a draw (compared to 12 for a win and four for a draw-loss). In a two-Test series, a draw can be a genuine result — neither team wins the series.
Can a captain declare overnight — before day five begins?
Yes. A captain can declare at any time during their innings, including between play on day four to set up a last-day chase. Late-evening declarations are common when the team batting wants to bowl a few overs at night and force the opposition to face the new ball immediately.