Having solid openers in the ranks is vital for any team in the Test format. The task of opening batters is of paramount importance, as they not only have to face the new ball but also provide a strong platform for the batters.
Even after ing through the testing period, a handful of openers keep the scorecard ticking with their firm batting. On some occasions, they stand on the pitch like a wall, keeping their wicket intact.
On that note, let’s look at the top 10 opening batsmen with the most not outs in Test cricket.
Most Not Outs by an Opening Batsman in Test
Player | Innings | Not Outs as Opener |
---|---|---|
Desmond Haynes (WI) | 201 | 25 |
Geoffrey Boycott (ENG) | 191 | 23 |
Gordon Greenidge (WI) | 182 | 16 |
Alastair Cook (ENG) | 278 | 14 |
Matthew Hayden (AUS) | 184 | 14 |
Marvan Atapattu (SL) | 136 | 13 |
Mark Taylor (AUS) | 186 | 13 |
Sunil Gavaskar (IND) | 203 | 12 |
Leonard Hutton (ENG) | 131 | 12 |
Gary Kirsten (SA) | 149 | 12 |
Key Insights
25: The West Indies batter Desmond Haynes, who opened innings in 201 out of his 202 innings, remained not out the most times as an opener in Tests. Haynes, who batted only once as a No. 8 batter, had a great time as an opener, amassing 7472 runs in 201 outings.