Top 5 opening batters with the most runs in international cricket

All these opening batters were a force to be reckoned with, some were classy while some were hard-hitters but one thing that they all had in common was that all of them dominated bowling attacks for many years

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1. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) – 19,298 runs

The Sri Lankan is one of the most explosive openers to have ever graced the game. Jayasuriya used to dismantle bowling attacks as soon as he stepped out to bat. Apart from being an incredible batter, he was also a fantastic spin bowler, taking over 400 wickets in international cricket.

2. Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 18,867 runs

The West Indian opener who was also nicknamed as ‘The Universe Boss’ was a nightmare for the opposing bowlers in all formats. He even played Test matches like a limited over format and used to smash the bowlers around the park. The Caribbean side is yet to find Gayle’s proper replacement in any format.

3. David Warner (Australia) – 18,744 runs

The Australian opener dominated in both the one-day and Test format. He scored 26 centuries in tests, 22 centuries in one-day format and a single century in T20Is. Though Australia have had great opening batters throughout the years, Warner has been arguably Australia’s best opener in this century.

4. Graeme Smith (South Africa) – 16,950 runs

The South African was not only an amazing batter but also an incredible captain who led the Proteas to various series triumphs. Smith dominated especially in the Test format with 27 centuries in comparison to his 10 centuries in the one-day format.

5. Desmond Haynes (West Indies) – 16,120 runs

The West Indian dominated both the Test and one-day format with his amazing batting skills. His massive opening partnerships alongside Gordon Greenidge was one of the main reasons why West Indies was such a force to be reckoned with during that time. He scored 18 centuries in Test cricket and 17 more in the one-day format taking his total to 35 centuries which was a huge number at that time.

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