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In this post, we will check out the top 10 best openers in cricket history.

Cricket is a sport that has been played for centuries and has seen many talented players over the years.

One of the most crucial positions in cricket is the opening batsman, who sets the tone for the rest of the innings. The opening batsmen are responsible for facing the new ball and seeing off the early threat from the opposition’s bowlers.

Over the years, many great openers have graced the cricket field, and their performances have become legendary.

From their exceptional skill and technique to their fearless approach toward the game, these players have left an indelible mark on cricketing history.

In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 best openers in cricket history. These players have not only scored runs but have also changed the way the game is played.

They have set records, broken barriers, and entertained fans around the world. So, without further ado, let’s delve into the list of the top 10 best openers in cricket history.

Top 10 Best Openers in Cricket History

10. Graham Gooch

Graham Gooch is a former English cricketer who played for England and Essex. He is widely regarded as one of the best openers in cricket history due to his exceptional batting skills and his ability to set the tone for the rest of the innings.

Gooch made his debut for England in 1975 and played a key role in the team’s success in the 1980s and 1990s.

Gooch’s career highlights include scoring over 100 centuries in first-class cricket and being the first player to score a double century in both innings of a Test match. He is also the highest scorer for England in Test cricket, with 8,900 runs in 118 matches.

In addition to his impressive batting, Gooch was also a strong captain. He is remembered as one of the greatest openers in cricket history and his contributions to the game will not be forgotten. Graham Gooch is number 10 in our list of the top 10 best openers in cricket history.

9. Quinton De Kock

Quinton De Kock is a South African cricketer. He is a left-handed opening batsman and wicketkeeper. He is the former captain of South Africa.

De Kock made his international debut in the first match of South Africa’s home Twenty20 International series against the touring New Zealanders during the 2012/13 season.

In his 74th ODI, against Sri Lanka on 10 February 2017, he became the fastest player to complete 12 ODI hundreds, beating Hashim Amla, who had reached the milestone in 81 innings.

He became a regular part of South Africa’s ODI side from early 2016 onwards but it was not until 2017 that he cemented his place as an opener alongside Du Plessis. Quinton De Kock is number 9 in our list of the top 10 best openers in cricket history.

8. Shane Watson

Shane Watson was born on 17th June 1981 in Ipswich. He is a right-handed batsman and bowler.

Watson made his international debut in 2002. He was part of the Australian team that won the World Cup in 2015.

Watson was known for his aggressive style of play and was one of the best openers in cricket history.

He was a powerful hitter of the ball and scored many runs for Australia in both Test and ODI cricket.

Overall, Watson was a valuable player for Australia and is considered one of the best openers in cricket history. Shane Watson is number 8 in our list of the top 10 best openers in cricket history.

7. Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan is one of India’s finest opening batsmen. He is currently a part of both the Indian national cricket team and the Punjab King’s side.

He is known for his aggressive and flamboyant style of batting, which has made him one of the best openers in cricket history.

Dhawan made his international debut in 2010 and has since become a regular member of the Indian team in all three formats of the game.

He has scored approx 7,000 runs in international cricket, including 17 centuries and 39 half-centuries. He has also been a key member of the Indian team in major tournaments such as the World Cup, Champions Trophy, and the IPL.

One of Dhawan’s standout performances came in the 2013 Champions Trophy, where he was named the player of the tournament after scoring 363 runs in just five matches.

Overall, Shikhar Dhawan’s consistent performances and aggressive style of play have earned him a place among the top 10 best openers in cricket history.

6. Gordon Greenidge

Gordon Greenidge was a former West Indian cricketer who played for the West Indies cricket team from 1974 to 1991. He was an opener batsman and is considered one of the best openers in cricket history.

Greenidge played 108 Test matches for the West Indies, scoring 7,558 runs at an average of 44.72. He hit 19 centuries and 34 half-centuries, with the highest score of 226 not out.

Greenidge was a key member of the West Indies team during the 1980s, which was known as the “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” due to their formidable batting line-up.

He formed a successful opening partnership with Desmond Haynes, and together they set several record partnerships.

Greenidge was also a member of the West Indies team that won the 1975 and 1979 Cricket World Cup titles. He was inducted into the International Cricket Council Hall of Fame in 2009.

5. David Warner 

David Warner is an Australian cricketer who has established himself as one of the best openers in the world. He has played for Australia in all three formats of the game and has consistently scored runs at the top of the order.

Warner made his debut for Australia in 2009 and has gone on to become one of the most successful openers in cricket history.

He has scored over 8000 runs in international test cricket and has an impressive average of 46.04. He has scored 25 centuries and 34 half-centuries in his career and has also won numerous awards and accolades for his performances.

Warner is known for his aggressive style of play and has the ability to take the game away from the opposition with his powerful shots and quick scoring. He is also a very consistent performer and has scored runs in all parts of the world.

Overall, David Warner is definitely one of the top 10 best openers in cricket history and is a key player for Australia in all three formats of the game.

4. Tillakaratne Dilshan

Tillakaratne Dilshan is a former Sri Lankan cricketer who is considered one of the best openers in cricket history.

He played in all three formats of the game and is known for his aggressive and innovative batting style, particularly his ability to score runs from unconventional shots such as the “Dilscoop”.

Dilshan made his debut for Sri Lanka in 1999 and played for the national team for over a decade.

He was a key member of the team that reached the final of the 2007 Cricket World Cup and the 2014 T20 World Cup. He was also a regular member of the team that reached the finals of the 2011 Cricket World Cup.

Dilshan was known for his consistent performances at the top of the order, scoring over 10,000 runs in ODIs and over 5,000 runs in Tests. He was also a part-time off-spinner who took over 100 wickets in international cricket.

In recognition of his contributions to cricket, Dilshan was named one of the top 10 best openers in cricket history by several cricket pundits and fans.

He retired from international cricket in 2016 and is remembered as one of the greatest cricketers to have played for Sri Lanka. Tilakaratne Dilshan is number 4 in our list of the top 10 best openers in cricket history.

3. Hashim Amla 

Hashim Amla is a South African cricketer who has been consistently ranked as one of the best openers in cricket history.

He is known for his calm and composed demeanor on the field, as well as his ability to score runs consistently and at a fast pace.

Amla has scored over 9,000 runs in Test cricket and over 8,000 runs in Day Internationals, making him one of the most successful openers in the world.

He has also been awarded and has received numerous other accolades throughout his career.

Amla is widely respected by fans and fellow players alike, and his contributions to the game have earned him a place in the list of the top 10 best openers in cricket history.

2. Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma is an Indian cricketer who is widely regarded as one of the best openers in the history of the game.

He has an impressive record in both Test and One Day Internationals and is known for his aggressive style of play.

He is also a strong player in the Twenty20 format and has won numerous accolades throughout his career.

Rohit is known for his ability to score runs quickly and has consistently been among the top run-scorers for India in recent years.

He is also a talented captain and has led the Indian team to numerous victories in various formats of the game.

Overall, Rohit Sharma is a true cricketing legend and is rightfully considered one of the Top 10 Best Openers in Cricket History.

1. Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar is without a doubt one of the greatest openers in cricket history. He played for India for over two decades and was known for his ability to score runs at a consistent rate.

He has scored the most number of runs in international cricket and has the most number of centuries and half-centuries in both Tests and ODIs.

Tendulkar’s technique, mental toughness, and ability to adapt to different conditions made him one of the most formidable openers in the world. He was also a captain for a short period and led India to some memorable victories.

Tendulkar’s contribution to Indian cricket and his place in the pantheon of cricketing greats is undeniable. Sachin Tendulkar tops the list of the top 10 best openers in cricket history.