Top 5 run-scorers as openers in international cricket

Opening the innings for your country demands a lot more than just talent as a batter is expected to be cautious while taking the attack to the opposition by seeing off the new ball initially and then scoring at a brisk rate once set in order to lay a solid foundation for the team.

Only a few of them have been able continue as openers throughout their careers while there have been others who have been consistent at this position across formats to etch their names in cricketing history. Without further ado, here’s a look at five of those prominent names.

Virender Sehwag

Virender Sehwag used to be a middle-order batter earlier in his career before being promoted up the order as an opener as he had the incredible talent of playing destructive knocks right from the word ‘go’ As an opener Sehwag amassed 16119 runs in his international career and is only behind four of the world-class batters to have achieved this unique feat at this position. At the same time, it also needs to be noted that he is the only Indian in this elite list.

Desmond Haynes

Desmond Haynes was one of the integral members of the then mighty West Indies team who dominated world cricket back in the 70s and 80s. While the West Indies had an explosive opener in Gordon Greenidge, Haynes was by no means the second-best in that position. The Barbadian cricketer was an excellent batting maestro and his records speak of his achievements at the highest level. Haynes occupies the fourth position as the best opener across formats with 16120 runs under his belt.

Graeme Smith

Graeme Smith is one of the finest captains for South Africa and was arguably the best Test skipper back in the 2000s having led them to overseas dominance. Apart from captaincy, Smith had also made a tremendous impact as a batter. The southpaw finished his international career as an opener with 16950 runs.

Chris Gayle

The second position is occupied by none other than the ‘Universe Boss’ himself who had the ability to shatter the bowlers’ confidence right from the beginning.  Gayle has scored 18867 runs as an opener in his awesome cricketing career that dates back to over two decades.

Sanath Jayasuriya:

The ‘Numero Uno’ spot is occupied by the destructive batting all-rounder Sanath Jayasuriya who went on to become one of the most dangerous openers from the 1996 World Cup. The southpaw leads the chart as an opening batter across all formats of the game having amassed a phenomenal 19298 runs.`