Top 5 Opening partnerships in away Tests
When it comes to away tours, one element that always stands out to be successful is the opening partnership and it is very vital to any touring nation. They set up the base for the next batters to thrive upon and build a huge score on board that will help their chances to win. Australia in the 2000s were one of the best touring nations because of their legendary batting line-up and the openers, in particular, more often than not set the tone for the side. Let us look at top 5 opening partnerships in away Tests ever.
Len Hutton, Cyril Washbrook – 359 vs SA
The England pair of Len Hutton and Cyril Washbrook put up a mammoth 359 run partnership for the first wicket in the Johannesburg Test against South Africa in 1948. Hutton perished after a well-made 158 while Washbrook missed out on a double century by just five runs.
Bill Lawry, Bob Simpson – 382 vs WI
In Australia’s tour of the West Indies in 1965, the opening pair of Bill Lawry and Bob Simpson struck up a 382-run partnership for the first wicket and broke a lot of records as well in the Bridgetown Test. Both Lawry and Simpson reached their double centuries in the innings, as the match went on to end in a draw.
Terry Jarvis, Glenn Turner – 387 vs WI
New Zealand toured West Indies in 1972 for a five-match Test series and in the fourth Test at Georgetown, the opening duo of Terry Jarvis and Glenn Turner for the Kiwis stitched a massive 387 run partnership. Jarvis missed out on a double century by just 18 runs while Turner finished with a massive 259 run knock.
Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag – 410 vs PAK
Rahul Dravid has played most of his Test career at number three, however, he had to open alongside Virender Sehwag in the Lahore Test in 2007 against Pakistan and it brought up India’s highest opening partnership ever. Sehwag dominated in the partnership with 254 off just 247 deliveries and hit 47 fours and a six in his huge knock while Dravid remained unbeaten on 128.
Graeme Smith, Neil McKenzie – 415 vs BAN
The South Africa pair of Graeme Smith and Neil Mckenzie hold first place in the highest opening stand in away Tests as they stacked up 415 for the first wicket against Bangladesh at Chattogram in 2008. Both Smith and Mckenzie went on to score double centuries as South Africa posted a massive total in the first inning and won the Test by an innings and 205 runs.