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 upcoming batters.
Even after passing 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.
10: Over 14 opening batsmen have returned to the pavilion unbeaten in 10 or more innings. Apart from the 10 batters above, Bill Lawry (AUS), Graeme Smith (SA), Kraigg Brathwaite (WI), and Chris Gayle (WI) make the cut.
335*: Only 4 openers have remained unbeaten after scoring a triple-century in Tests. Out of them, Australia’s southpaw, David Warner, smashed the highest individual score with 335 not out in 418 balls against Pakistan in 2019. He passed his fellow countryman Mark Taylor’s 1998 record of an unbeaten 334 against the same opposition.
61.10: England’s Herbert Sutcliffe has the highest batting average as an opener. He boasts an incredible average of 61.10 in 83 innings.
