Scoring runs consistently as an opener is one of the toughest things in international cricket. The opening batters have to face the new ball, and the bowlers are quite fresh at the start of the innings. Hence, they have full pace and energy.
The opening batters have to tackle the bowlers smartly because if they lose early wickets, they can put pressure on the other batters. Quite a few batters have achieved success while opening the innings for their teams in international cricket. Here’s a list of six batters who managed to score more than 16,000 runs as an opener.
6. Virender Sehwag scored 16,119 runs as an opener
Virender Sehwag is the only Indian to feature on the list. The explosive opener was known for hitting a four on the first ball that he faced. Sehwag finished with 16,119 as an opening batter in his career.
5. Desmond Haynes scored 16,120 runs as an opener
Former West Indies opening batter Desmond Haynes is the second name on this list. Haynes was a top batter during his playing days, and he scored 16,120 runs when opening for the Caribbean side.
4. Graeme Smith scored 16,950 runs as an opener
Former South African captain Graeme Smith made a name for himself with his consistent performances at the top of the order. Smith amassed 16,950 runs while playing at the top of the order for the Proteas.
3. David Warner
David Warner crossed the 18,000-run mark as an opener in international matches today. The Australian batter now has 18,026 runs as an opening batter to his name.
2. Chris Gayle
Former West Indies captain Chris Gayle holds the record for the most runs as an opening batter by a non-Asian player. Gayle amassed 18,867 across all three formats of international cricket as an opening batter.
1. Sanath Jayasuriya
The world record for the most runs by an opening batter in international cricket belongs to Sanath Jayasuriya. The Sri Lankan legend aggregated 19,298 runs as an opening batter during his career.
