Top 10 Highest runs scored by Openers in Tests

Highest runs scored by Openers in Tests Cook

Top 10 Highest runs scored by Openers in Tests

Opening batsmen in cricket always play a dual character in any team. If started perfectly, the lay down the solid basis of one of the highest totals. Whereas their failure is often taken as the biggest blow to a batting line up. Best opening batsmen in the world are some of the most significant cricket player not just for their own teams but on universal levels. In fact the highest run scorers in cricket history list is dominated by the openers. The reason is very simple, they get a lot more time as well as balls to set themselves up for a big total. Thus highest runs scored by openers should not be a surprise to anyone. Undoubtedly, the role of opening batsmen is equally decisive in all three formats of the game.

Highest runs scored by Openers in Tests Sunil Gavaskar

However in test matches this burden gets added many folds, considering the extensive nature of the game. Often these players make their sides feel comfy through their careful elongated innings, lightening the burden for the coming batters. Highest runs scored by openers are a clear evidence of how reliable an opener should have been in a team. At present there are many talented opening batsmen in the world who rarely disappoint with their bat. However when speaking of the record breaking highest runs scored by openers, Alastair Cook tops the list. The English test captain has recently passed Sunil Gavaskar in the list of most runs by an opener in tests.

Highest runs scored by Openers in Tests A Cook

England cricket team is currently hosting Pakistan in their home venues. With the first test match already on its way, Cook overtook the former Indian to rewrite the history. The English captain has been flawless throughout his test career. Playing with an average of 46.52 Cook has scored over 10 thousand runs. However as an opener his runs are over nine and a half thousand at present. Top 10 Highest runs scored by openers in Test matches are as under.

Top 10 Highest runs scored by Openers in Tests

Player Span Mat Inns Runs HS Ave 100
AN Cook (Eng) 2006-2016 123 219 9630 294 46.52 26
SM Gavaskar (India) 1971-1987 119 203 9607 221 50.29 33
GC Smith (ICC/SA) 2002-2014 114 196 9030 277 49.07 27
ML Hayden (Aus) 1994-2009 103 184 8625 380 50.73 30
V Sehwag (ICC/India) 2002-2013 99 170 8207 319 50.04 22
G Boycott (Eng) 1964-1982 107 191 8091 246* 48.16 22
GA Gooch (Eng) 1978-1995 100 184 7811 333 43.88 18
MA Taylor (Aus) 1989-1999 104 186 7525 334* 43.49 19
CG Greenidge (WI) 1974-1991 107 182 7488 226 45.10 19
MA Atherton (Eng) 1990-2001 108 197 7476 185* 39.14 16

Top 10 Highest runs scored by Openers in Tests

AN Cook

SM Gavaskar

GC Smith

ML Hayden

V Sehwag

G Boycott

GA Gooch

MA Taylor

CG Greenidge

MA Atherton

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