Most Test runs as opener for New Zealand

Finding a mainstay opener for the team is not an easy task, especially in Tests. As an opening batter, the player must showcase determination, resilience, and the ability to provide the team with the perfect start. Test cricket requires a batter to build the innings, but the openers’ responsibility is to lay the foundation for the middle-order batters.

While the world of Test cricket has witnessed many legendary batters, not everyone has aced the opener’s role. On that note, let us look at the three openers from New Zealand with the most runs to their name in the red-ball format.

3. Glenn Turner | 2828 runs

Former cricketer GM Turner represented the BlackCaps from 1969 to 1983. He played in 41 Test matches and as many ODIs during his international career and racked up 2991 runs in 73 innings of the longest format of the game. Of his tally, he scored 2828 runs while batting on top of the order. In 14 years of his career, he also notched up seven centuries and 14 half-centuries.

2. Tom Latham | 5086 runs

Interestingly, Tom Latham is the only active player in the list. Among the current New Zealand cricketers, Latham has scored the most runs batting as an opener. In 127 innings of 73 matches, the 30-year-old has amassed 5129 runs, of which 5086 came while batting as an opener. He has scored 13 centuries and 27 half-centuries in his career so far, with his best being 264*.

1. John Wright | 5260

John Geoffrey Wright, one of the finest cricketers to have represented New Zealand in the traditional format of the game, made sure that his side received the best starts. Having represented his national side in 148 innings of 82 matches, Wright scored 5334 runs, of which 5260 came while batting as an opener. Latham, who is the only active cricketer on the list, is very close to surpassing Wright’s record.