In the modern game, batting is often preferred over bowling. The aesthetic drives down the ground, the elegant pulls off the back-foot and the delicate late cuts to third man is what the fans love and want to see more. Opening batsmen are always in favour with the fans as their solidity at the top of the order is often what makes or breaks their team’s fortune. The value they bring to the team is unparalleled. Let’s take a look at Top 10 Openers with most runs in Tests:

<strong>10. Michael Atherton (England) – 7476 runs:</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/10/Michael-Atherton-England-Batting.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-38085" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Michael-Atherton-England-Batting.jpg" alt="Michael Atherton" width="650" height="475" sizes="(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-38085" class="wp-caption-text">Michael Atherton. (© Adrian Murrell/ALLSPORT via Getty Images)</figcaption>

Michael Atherton was Test cricket’s quintessential opener – tough, stubborn and hard to get out. After a gritty 47 on debut for England, he scored 151 in the 1990 overseas tour to New Zealand. He made a name for himself in the 1990-91 Ashes series, where his immovability at the top of the order came into repute. He furthered improved his reputation by scoring six fifties in six Tests in the 1993 Ashes. He was named

He made a name for himself in the 1990-91 Ashes series, where his immovability at the top of the order came into repute. He furthered improved his reputation by scoring six fifties in six Tests in the 1993 Ashes. He was named captain in the middle of the series and won the final Test. His best moment was his 185 not out against South Africa which came in 643 minutes and saved the Test for England. He was also dismissed 19 times by Glenn McGrath, a world record.

His best moment was his 185 not out against South Africa which came in 643 minutes and saved the Test for England. He was also dismissed 19 times by Glenn McGrath, a world record.

Als Read &#8211; <strong><a href="http://www.crictracker.com/top-10-highest-individual-scores-by-captains-in-tests/" target="_blank">Top 10 Highest individual scores by captains in Tests</a></strong>

<strong>9. Gordon Greenidge (West Indies) – 7488 runs:</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/10/Gordon-Greenidge-West-Indies.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-38084" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Gordon-Greenidge-West-Indies.jpg" alt="Gordon Greenidge" width="650" height="444" sizes="(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-38084" class="wp-caption-text">Gordon Greenidge. (© Getty Images)</figcaption>

A brute of a man, Gordon Greenidge was one of the early exponents of aggressive Test batting. His penchant for getting big scores was his best quality as he single-handedly took opponents apart during his time.

He was well-known for refusing to take singles, instead looking to score as many boundaries as possible. His consecutive double centuries against England in 1984 sealed the series for West Indies and helped them chase 342 at Lord’s.

Along with Desmond Haynes, the pair put up 16 hundred-run opening partnerships in Tests, which is still the highest.

<strong>8. Mark Taylor (Australia) &#8211; 7525 runs:</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/10/Mark-Taylor-of-Australia-after-his-record-score-innings-in-the-Second-Test-against-Pakistan-in-Peshawar-GettyImages-1280176.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-36106" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mark-Taylor-of-Australia-after-his-record-score-innings-in-the-Second-Test-against-Pakistan-in-Peshawar-GettyImages-1280176.jpg" alt="Mark Taylor of Australia" width="650" height="421" sizes="(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-36106" class="wp-caption-text">Mark Taylor. (© Ben Radford /Allsport)</figcaption>

Mark Taylor was a cricket fan’s dream – he captained well, fielded better and opened the batting. More of a classical batsman, Taylor wasn’t afraid to take the aggressive way out if needed.

He mixed caution with belligerence as he made a name for himself at the top of the order. He started with a bang, scoring 839 runs in his first Ashes series, the second ever best. He became the first player to score more than a thousand runs in his first calendar year, which gave him a nomination as Wisden’s Cricketer of the Year in just his second year of international cricket. Though his form was inconsistent, he scored a masterful 334 in 1997 at Peshawar, then the joint-highest scorer for Australia in Tests.

He became the first player to score more than a thousand runs in his first calendar year, which gave him a nomination as Wisden’s Cricketer of the Year in just his second year of international cricket. Though his form was inconsistent, he scored a masterful 334 in 1997 at Peshawar, then the joint-highest scorer for Australia in Tests.

<strong>7. Graham Gooch (England) &#8211; 7811 runs:</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/10/Graham-Gooch-England-Batting.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-38083" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Graham-Gooch-England-Batting.jpg" alt="Graham Gooch" width="650" height="502" sizes="(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-38083" class="wp-caption-text">Graham Gooch. (© Getty Images)</figcaption>

Moustachioed and enigmatic, Graham Gooch was one of England’s best ever batsmen. He played into his 40s, only getting better with age.

Graham Gooch didn’t have the best of starts – he got a pair on debut and then was banned for leading a rebel tour to South Africa. Three years later, he was reinstated and he wasted no time in proving his skill.

He scored the most fifties by an England batsman and the most in a three-match series – 752 against India. His match aggregate of 456 – 333 and 123 in the two innings – is still the highest aggregate in a single match.

<strong>6. Geoff Boycott (England) &#8211; 8091 runs:</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/03/Geoff-Boycott.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-13957" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Geoff-Boycott.jpg" alt="Geoffrey Boycott" width="650" height="422" sizes="(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-13957" class="wp-caption-text">Geoffrey Boycott. (Photo Source: PA Photos)</figcaption>

Possibly the batsman with the best defence, Geoff Boycott made a sterling contribution to England cricket in his time. His perfect balance and footwork rivalled the greats of all time as he always found a way to score off the bowlers.

Perhaps his only weakness that he tended too long to get going and his slowness was often remarked upon. His 246 not out in Headingley came at a painful strike rate of 44.32, and his 140 against India came in nearly five hours.

He was an Ashes specialist as he made 2945 runs with 7 centuries. He made himself unavailable for five years citing various reasons, and if he had not, he would have surely had over 10,000 runs.

<strong>5. Virender Sehwag (India) &#8211; 8207 runs:</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/10/Virender-Sehwag-Test-India-Cricket.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-37648" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Virender-Sehwag-Test-India-Cricket.jpg" alt="Virender Sehwag" width="650" height="451" sizes="(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-37648" class="wp-caption-text">Virender Sehwag. (© Getty Images)</figcaption>

Indian cricket’s superstar, Virender Sehwag took the world by storm with a century on debut against South Africa. His effortless batting, non-existent footwork and quick hands made him the delight of the nation as he was touted as one of the best entertainers of the game.

He proved it with a triple-century against Pakistan in Multan and then repeated it against South Africa in Chennai. He would have become the first batsman to score three, but was unfortunately out on 293 against Sri Lanka.

His ability to take the game away in a single innings was what he was famous for, and he proved it with 83 against England in Chennai, which helped India chase down 387. He scored 11 consecutive centuries of 150 runs or more, which is a world record.

<strong>4. Matthew Hayden (Australia) &#8211; 8625 runs:</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/05/Matthew-Hayden-380.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-17977" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Matthew-Hayden-380.jpg" alt="Matthew Hayden 380" width="650" height="480" sizes="(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-17977" class="wp-caption-text">Matthew Hayden. (© Getty Images)</figcaption>

Large, beefy and extremely destructive, Matthew Hayden’s aggression did not extend to the Test arena. While he flayed bowlers in the shorter format, he was quite docile in the longer run, preferring to play “ugly cricket”.

Perhaps that is why he accumulated so many runs, as he worked tirelessly on his defence and his strokeplay. His cover drives and pulls were shows of strength than timing, but he also had an excellent record in the subcontinent. He nearly became the first man to hit 400 in Tests, but fell short as he was dismissed for 380 runs against Zimbabwe. Hayden became only the third player to score four successive centuries – twice.

He nearly became the first man to hit 400 in Tests, but fell short as he was dismissed for 380 runs against Zimbabwe. Hayden became only the third player to score four successive centuries – twice.

<strong>3. Graeme Smith (South Africa) &#8211; 9030 runs:</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/10/Graeme-Smith-South-Africa-Test.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-38082" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Graeme-Smith-South-Africa-Test.jpg" alt="Graeme Smith" width="650" height="432" sizes="(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-38082" class="wp-caption-text">Graeme Smith. (© Luigi Bennett/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption>

While he didn’t always look good, Graeme Smith could get big runs when he wanted to. Captaining South Africa at a young age, he led the Proteas to victory against every team, stamping his might on the cricketing world. Smith&#8217;s style of batting involved blunting the attack first up and then taking to the older ball, using sheer will to manoeuvre the gaps and accumulating his runs. He scored consecutive double-centuries – in just his 11th and 12th Test of his career– as South Africa crushed England in 2003. He had supreme command of the off-side, at times preferring not to go onside at all. The image of Graeme Smith batting with an injured hand will forever be Test cricket’s greatest moment of all time.

Smith&#8217;s style of batting involved blunting the attack first up and then taking to the older ball, using sheer will to manoeuvre the gaps and accumulating his runs. He scored consecutive double-centuries – in just his 11th and 12th Test of his career– as South Africa crushed England in 2003. He had supreme command of the off-side, at times preferring not to go onside at all. The image of Graeme Smith batting with an injured hand will forever be Test cricket’s greatest moment of all time.

He had supreme command of the off-side, at times preferring not to go onside at all. The image of Graeme Smith batting with an injured hand will forever be Test cricket’s greatest moment of all time.

<strong>2. Sunil Gavaskar (India) &#8211; 9607 runs:</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/10/Sunil-Gavaskar-Batting-India.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-38079" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sunil-Gavaskar-Batting-India.jpg" alt="Openers with most runs in Tests" width="650" height="442" sizes="(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-38079" class="wp-caption-text">Sunil Gavaskar. (© Getty Images)</figcaption>

The first batsman in the history of Test cricket to score 10,000 runs nearly did it by just batting in the opener’s slot. Gavaskar is one of India’s earliest legends, as his resolute indifference to the fearsome West Indies was the stuff of legend. With an impeccable technique and oodles of concentration, Gavaskar wasted no time in becoming India’s best player of his era. He scored three centuries in his first series and finished with 774 runs, a record for a debut series. Powered by his 102, India chased down 403 against West Indies,

With an impeccable technique and oodles of concentration, Gavaskar wasted no time in becoming India’s best player of his era. He scored three centuries in his first series and finished with 774 runs, a record for a debut series. Powered by his 102, India chased down 403 against West Indies, the-then highest run chase in a Test. He scored three centuries in the second innings in a series, and then scored one in each innings, just to round it off. He repeated the feat a year later, and then scored a double-century in the fourth innings – still only one of five people to do so. He finished it off by carrying his bat for India in 1983 and then equalled the record for most centuries, and then passed it. He retired as India’s best batsman, and will continue as a legend in the annals of Test cricket.

He repeated the feat a year later, and then scored a double-century in the fourth innings – still only one of five people to do so. He finished it off by carrying his bat for India in 1983 and then equalled the record for most centuries, and then passed it. He retired as India’s best batsman, and will continue as a legend in the annals of Test cricket.

<strong>1. Alastair Cook – 9630 runs:</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/04/Alastair-Cook.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-68343"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-68343" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Alastair-Cook.jpg" alt="Alastair Cook" width="600" height="362" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-68343" class="wp-caption-text">England batsman Alastair Cook in action during day one of the 1st Investec Test match. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Stylish demeanour, classy, hardworking are the terms which can be attributed to England Test skipper Alastair Cook. His achievements as a batsman have made him a sort of status symbol among batsmen in England.

Cook, since the day he debuted for his country way back in 2006, was earmarked as the one for the future. He began with a century in his debut game and 10 years down the line he etched his name in the history books as the highest run-getter for his country. All the years, he also was one of the best openers in the Tests.

Cook shortly after becoming the youngest batsmen to reach 10,000 runs in Test went ahead of Sunil Gavaskar to own the record for most runs scored while opening in Tests. He achieved the milestone in his 219th innings during his knock of 81 against Pakistan in 2016 at Lord’s.

Also Read &#8211; <strong><a href="http://goo.gl/2jyL3H" target="_blank">Top 10 players having played most consecutive Test matches</a></strong>

<em><strong>(All stats updated till July 16, 2016)</strong></em>

<p>In the modern game, batting is often preferred over bowling. The aesthetic drives down the ground, the elegant pulls off the back-foot and the delicate late cuts to third man is what the fans love and want to see more. Opening batsmen are always in favour with the fans as their solidity at the top of the order is often what makes or breaks their team’s fortune. The value they bring to the team is unparalleled.&nbsp;Let’s take a look at Top 10 Openers with most runs in Tests:</p>
<h4><strong>10. Michael Atherton (England) – 7476 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_38085" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38085" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/10/Michael-Atherton-England-Batting.jpg"><amp-img class="wp-image-38085" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Michael-Atherton-England-Batting.jpg" alt="Michael Atherton" width="650" height="475" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-38085" class="wp-caption-text">Michael Atherton. (© Adrian Murrell/ALLSPORT via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Michael Atherton was Test cricket’s quintessential opener – tough, stubborn and hard to get out. After a gritty 47 on debut for England, he scored 151 in the 1990 overseas tour to New Zealand. He made a name for himself in the 1990-91 Ashes series, where his immovability at the top of the order came into repute. He furthered improved his reputation by scoring six fifties in six Tests in the 1993 Ashes. He was named</p>
<p>He made a name for himself in the 1990-91 Ashes series, where his immovability at the top of the order came into repute. He furthered improved his reputation by scoring six fifties in six Tests in the 1993 Ashes. He was named&nbsp;captain&nbsp;in the middle of the series and won the final Test. His best moment was his 185 not out against South Africa which came in 643 minutes and saved the Test for England. He was also dismissed 19 times by Glenn McGrath, a world record.</p>
<p>His best moment was his 185 not out against South Africa which came in 643 minutes and saved the Test for England. He was also dismissed 19 times by Glenn McGrath, a world record.</p>
<h5>Als Read – <strong><a href="http://www.crictracker.com/top-10-highest-individual-scores-by-captains-in-tests/" target="_blank">Top 10 Highest individual scores by captains in Tests</a></strong></h5>
<h4><strong>9. Gordon Greenidge (West Indies) – 7488 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_38084" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38084" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/10/Gordon-Greenidge-West-Indies.jpg"><amp-img class="wp-image-38084" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Gordon-Greenidge-West-Indies.jpg" alt="Gordon Greenidge" width="650" height="444" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-38084" class="wp-caption-text">Gordon Greenidge. (© Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>A brute of a man, Gordon Greenidge was one of the early exponents of aggressive Test batting. His penchant for getting big scores was his best quality as he single-handedly took opponents apart during his time.</p>
<p>He was well-known for refusing to take singles, instead looking to score as many boundaries as possible. His consecutive double centuries against England in 1984 sealed the series for West Indies and helped them chase 342 at Lord’s.</p>
<p>Along with Desmond Haynes, the pair put up 16 hundred-run opening partnerships in Tests, which is still the highest.</p>
<h4><strong>8. Mark Taylor (Australia) – 7525 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_36106" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-36106" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/10/Mark-Taylor-of-Australia-after-his-record-score-innings-in-the-Second-Test-against-Pakistan-in-Peshawar-GettyImages-1280176.jpg"><amp-img class="wp-image-36106" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mark-Taylor-of-Australia-after-his-record-score-innings-in-the-Second-Test-against-Pakistan-in-Peshawar-GettyImages-1280176.jpg" alt="Mark Taylor of Australia" width="650" height="421" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-36106" class="wp-caption-text">Mark Taylor. (© Ben Radford /Allsport)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Mark Taylor was a cricket fan’s dream – he captained well, fielded better and opened the batting. More of a classical batsman, Taylor wasn’t afraid to take the aggressive way out if needed.</p>
<p>He mixed caution with belligerence as he made a name for himself at the top of the order. He started with a bang, scoring 839 runs in his first Ashes series, the second ever best. He became the first player to score more than a thousand runs in his first calendar year, which gave him a nomination as Wisden’s Cricketer of the Year in just his second year of international cricket. Though his form was inconsistent, he scored a masterful 334 in 1997 at Peshawar, then the joint-highest scorer for Australia in Tests.</p>
<p>He became the first player to score more than a thousand runs in his first calendar year, which gave him a nomination as Wisden’s Cricketer of the Year in just his second year of international cricket. Though his form was inconsistent, he scored a masterful 334 in 1997 at Peshawar, then the joint-highest scorer for Australia in Tests.</p>
<h4><strong>7. Graham Gooch (England) – 7811 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_38083" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38083" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/10/Graham-Gooch-England-Batting.jpg"><amp-img class="wp-image-38083" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Graham-Gooch-England-Batting.jpg" alt="Graham Gooch" width="650" height="502" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-38083" class="wp-caption-text">Graham Gooch. (© Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Moustachioed and enigmatic, Graham Gooch was one of England’s best ever batsmen. He played into his 40s, only getting better with age.</p>
<p>Graham Gooch didn’t have the best of starts – he got a pair on debut and then was banned for leading a rebel tour to South Africa. Three years later, he was reinstated and he wasted no time in proving his skill.</p>
<p>He scored the most fifties by an England batsman and the most in a three-match series – 752 against India. His match aggregate of 456 – 333 and 123 in the two innings – is still the highest aggregate in a single match.</p>
<h4><strong>6. Geoff Boycott (England) – 8091 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_13957" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13957" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/03/Geoff-Boycott.jpg"><amp-img class="wp-image-13957" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Geoff-Boycott.jpg" alt="Geoffrey Boycott" width="650" height="422" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-13957" class="wp-caption-text">Geoffrey Boycott. (Photo Source: PA Photos)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Possibly the batsman with the best defence, Geoff Boycott made a sterling contribution to England cricket in his time. His perfect balance and footwork rivalled the greats of all time as he always found a way to score off the bowlers.</p>
<p>Perhaps his only weakness that he tended too long to get going and his slowness was often remarked upon. His 246 not out in Headingley came at a painful strike rate of 44.32, and his 140 against India came in nearly five hours.</p>
<p>He was an Ashes specialist as he made 2945 runs with 7 centuries. He made himself unavailable for five years citing various reasons, and if he had not, he would have surely had over 10,000 runs.</p>
<h4><strong>5. Virender Sehwag (India) – 8207 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_37648" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-37648" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/10/Virender-Sehwag-Test-India-Cricket.jpg"><amp-img class="wp-image-37648" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Virender-Sehwag-Test-India-Cricket.jpg" alt="Virender Sehwag" width="650" height="451" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-37648" class="wp-caption-text">Virender Sehwag. (© Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Indian cricket’s superstar, Virender Sehwag took the world by storm with a century on debut against South Africa. His effortless batting, non-existent footwork and quick hands made him the delight of the nation as he was touted as one of the best entertainers of the game.</p>
<p>He proved it with a triple-century against Pakistan in Multan&nbsp;and then repeated it against South Africa in Chennai. He would have become the first batsman to score three, but was unfortunately out on 293 against Sri Lanka.</p>
<p>His ability to take the game away in a single innings was what he was famous for, and he proved it with 83 against England in Chennai, which helped India chase down 387. He scored 11 consecutive centuries of 150 runs or more, which is a world record.</p>
<h4><strong>4. Matthew Hayden (Australia) – 8625 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_17977" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-17977" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/05/Matthew-Hayden-380.jpg"><amp-img class="wp-image-17977" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Matthew-Hayden-380.jpg" alt="Matthew Hayden 380" width="650" height="480" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-17977" class="wp-caption-text">Matthew Hayden. (© Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Large, beefy and extremely destructive, Matthew Hayden’s aggression did not extend to the Test arena. While he flayed bowlers in the shorter format, he was quite docile in the longer run, preferring to play “ugly cricket”.</p>
<p>Perhaps that is why he accumulated so many runs, as he worked tirelessly on his defence and his strokeplay. His cover drives and pulls were shows of strength than timing, but he also had an excellent record in the subcontinent. He nearly became the first man to hit 400 in Tests, but fell short as he was dismissed for 380 runs against Zimbabwe. Hayden became only the third player to score four successive centuries – twice.</p>
<p>He nearly became the first man to hit 400 in Tests, but fell short as he was dismissed for 380 runs against Zimbabwe. Hayden became only the third player to score four successive centuries – twice.</p>
<h4><strong>3. Graeme Smith (South Africa) – 9030 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_38082" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38082" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/10/Graeme-Smith-South-Africa-Test.jpg"><amp-img class="wp-image-38082" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Graeme-Smith-South-Africa-Test.jpg" alt="Graeme Smith" width="650" height="432" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-38082" class="wp-caption-text">Graeme Smith. (© Luigi Bennett/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>While he didn’t always look good, Graeme Smith could get big runs when he wanted to. Captaining South Africa at a young age, he led the Proteas to victory against every team, stamping his might on the cricketing world. Smith’s style of batting involved blunting the attack first up and then taking to the older ball, using sheer will to manoeuvre the gaps and accumulating his runs. He scored consecutive double-centuries – in just his 11th and 12th Test of his career– as South Africa crushed England in 2003. He had supreme command of the off-side, at times preferring not to go onside at all. The image of Graeme Smith batting with an injured hand will forever be Test cricket’s greatest moment of all time.</p>
<p>Smith’s style of batting involved blunting the attack first up and then taking to the older ball, using sheer will to manoeuvre the gaps and accumulating his runs. He scored consecutive double-centuries – in just his 11th and 12th Test of his career– as South Africa crushed England in 2003. He had supreme command of the off-side, at times preferring not to go onside at all. The image of Graeme Smith batting with an injured hand will forever be Test cricket’s greatest moment of all time.</p>
<p>He had supreme command of the off-side, at times preferring not to go onside at all. The image of Graeme Smith batting with an injured hand will forever be Test cricket’s greatest moment of all time.</p>
<h4></h4>
<h4><strong>2. Sunil Gavaskar (India) – 9607 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_38079" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38079" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/10/Sunil-Gavaskar-Batting-India.jpg"><amp-img class="wp-image-38079" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sunil-Gavaskar-Batting-India.jpg" alt="Openers with most runs in Tests" width="650" height="442" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-38079" class="wp-caption-text">Sunil Gavaskar. (© Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The first batsman in the history of Test cricket to score 10,000 runs nearly did it by just batting in the opener’s slot. Gavaskar is one of India’s earliest legends, as his resolute indifference to the fearsome West Indies was the stuff of legend. With an impeccable technique and oodles of concentration, Gavaskar wasted no time in becoming India’s best player of his era. He scored three centuries in his first series and finished with 774 runs, a record for a debut series. Powered by his 102, India chased down 403 against West Indies,</p>
<p>With an impeccable technique and oodles of concentration, Gavaskar wasted no time in becoming India’s best player of his era. He scored three centuries in his first series and finished with 774 runs, a record for a debut series. Powered by his 102, India chased down 403 against West Indies, the-then highest run chase in a Test. He scored three centuries in the second innings in a series, and then scored one in each innings, just to round it off. He repeated the feat a year later, and then scored a double-century in the fourth innings – still only one of five people to do so. He finished it off by carrying his bat for India in 1983 and then equalled the record for most centuries, and then passed it. He retired as India’s best batsman, and will continue as a legend in the annals of Test cricket.</p>
<p>He repeated the feat a year later, and then scored a double-century in the fourth innings – still only one of five people to do so. He finished it off by carrying his bat for India in 1983 and then equalled the record for most centuries, and then passed it. He retired as India’s best batsman, and will continue as a legend in the annals of Test cricket.</p>
<h4><strong>1. Alastair Cook – 9630 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_68343" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-68343" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/04/Alastair-Cook.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-68343"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-68343" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Alastair-Cook.jpg" alt="Alastair Cook" width="600" height="362" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-68343" class="wp-caption-text">England batsman Alastair Cook in action during day one of the 1st Investec Test match. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Stylish demeanour, classy, hardworking are the terms which can be attributed to England Test skipper Alastair Cook. His achievements as a batsman have made him a sort of status symbol among batsmen in England.</p>
<p>Cook, since the day he debuted for his country way back in 2006, was earmarked as the one for the future. He began with a century in his debut game and 10 years down the line he etched his name in the history books as the highest run-getter for his country. All the years, he also was one of the best openers in the Tests.</p>
<p>Cook shortly after becoming the youngest batsmen to reach 10,000 runs in Test went ahead of Sunil Gavaskar to own the record for most runs scored while opening in Tests. He achieved the milestone in his 219th innings during his knock of 81 against Pakistan in 2016 at Lord’s.</p>
<h5>Also Read – <strong><a href="http://goo.gl/2jyL3H" target="_blank">Top 10 players having played most consecutive Test matches</a></strong></h5>
<p><em><strong>(All stats updated till July 16, 2016)</strong></em></p>

<p>In the modern game, batting is often preferred over bowling. The aesthetic drives down the ground, the elegant pulls off the back-foot and the delicate late cuts to third man is what the fans love and want to see more. Opening batsmen are always in favour with the fans as their solidity at the top of the order is often what makes or breaks their team’s fortune. The value they bring to the team is unparalleled. Let’s take a look at Top 10 Openers with most runs in Tests:</p>
<h4><strong>10. Michael Atherton (England) – 7476 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_38085" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38085" style="width: 650px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/10/Michael-Atherton-England-Batting.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-38085" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Michael-Atherton-England-Batting.jpg" alt="Michael Atherton" width="650" height="475" sizes="(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-38085" class="wp-caption-text">Michael Atherton. (© Adrian Murrell/ALLSPORT via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Michael Atherton was Test cricket’s quintessential opener – tough, stubborn and hard to get out. After a gritty 47 on debut for England, he scored 151 in the 1990 overseas tour to New Zealand. He made a name for himself in the 1990-91 Ashes series, where his immovability at the top of the order came into repute. He furthered improved his reputation by scoring six fifties in six Tests in the 1993 Ashes. He was named</p>
<p>He made a name for himself in the 1990-91 Ashes series, where his immovability at the top of the order came into repute. He furthered improved his reputation by scoring six fifties in six Tests in the 1993 Ashes. He was named captain in the middle of the series and won the final Test. His best moment was his 185 not out against South Africa which came in 643 minutes and saved the Test for England. He was also dismissed 19 times by Glenn McGrath, a world record.</p>
<p>His best moment was his 185 not out against South Africa which came in 643 minutes and saved the Test for England. He was also dismissed 19 times by Glenn McGrath, a world record.</p>
<h5>Als Read &#8211; <strong><a href="http://www.crictracker.com/top-10-highest-individual-scores-by-captains-in-tests/" target="_blank">Top 10 Highest individual scores by captains in Tests</a></strong></h5>
<h4><strong>9. Gordon Greenidge (West Indies) – 7488 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_38084" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38084" style="width: 650px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/10/Gordon-Greenidge-West-Indies.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-38084" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Gordon-Greenidge-West-Indies.jpg" alt="Gordon Greenidge" width="650" height="444" sizes="(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-38084" class="wp-caption-text">Gordon Greenidge. (© Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>A brute of a man, Gordon Greenidge was one of the early exponents of aggressive Test batting. His penchant for getting big scores was his best quality as he single-handedly took opponents apart during his time.</p>
<p>He was well-known for refusing to take singles, instead looking to score as many boundaries as possible. His consecutive double centuries against England in 1984 sealed the series for West Indies and helped them chase 342 at Lord’s.</p>
<p>Along with Desmond Haynes, the pair put up 16 hundred-run opening partnerships in Tests, which is still the highest.</p>
<h4><strong>8. Mark Taylor (Australia) &#8211; 7525 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_36106" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-36106" style="width: 650px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/10/Mark-Taylor-of-Australia-after-his-record-score-innings-in-the-Second-Test-against-Pakistan-in-Peshawar-GettyImages-1280176.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-36106" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mark-Taylor-of-Australia-after-his-record-score-innings-in-the-Second-Test-against-Pakistan-in-Peshawar-GettyImages-1280176.jpg" alt="Mark Taylor of Australia" width="650" height="421" sizes="(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-36106" class="wp-caption-text">Mark Taylor. (© Ben Radford /Allsport)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Mark Taylor was a cricket fan’s dream – he captained well, fielded better and opened the batting. More of a classical batsman, Taylor wasn’t afraid to take the aggressive way out if needed.</p>
<p>He mixed caution with belligerence as he made a name for himself at the top of the order. He started with a bang, scoring 839 runs in his first Ashes series, the second ever best. He became the first player to score more than a thousand runs in his first calendar year, which gave him a nomination as Wisden’s Cricketer of the Year in just his second year of international cricket. Though his form was inconsistent, he scored a masterful 334 in 1997 at Peshawar, then the joint-highest scorer for Australia in Tests.</p>
<p>He became the first player to score more than a thousand runs in his first calendar year, which gave him a nomination as Wisden’s Cricketer of the Year in just his second year of international cricket. Though his form was inconsistent, he scored a masterful 334 in 1997 at Peshawar, then the joint-highest scorer for Australia in Tests.</p>
<h4><strong>7. Graham Gooch (England) &#8211; 7811 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_38083" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38083" style="width: 650px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/10/Graham-Gooch-England-Batting.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-38083" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Graham-Gooch-England-Batting.jpg" alt="Graham Gooch" width="650" height="502" sizes="(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-38083" class="wp-caption-text">Graham Gooch. (© Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Moustachioed and enigmatic, Graham Gooch was one of England’s best ever batsmen. He played into his 40s, only getting better with age.</p>
<p>Graham Gooch didn’t have the best of starts – he got a pair on debut and then was banned for leading a rebel tour to South Africa. Three years later, he was reinstated and he wasted no time in proving his skill.</p>
<p>He scored the most fifties by an England batsman and the most in a three-match series – 752 against India. His match aggregate of 456 – 333 and 123 in the two innings – is still the highest aggregate in a single match.</p>
<h4><strong>6. Geoff Boycott (England) &#8211; 8091 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_13957" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13957" style="width: 650px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/03/Geoff-Boycott.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-13957" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Geoff-Boycott.jpg" alt="Geoffrey Boycott" width="650" height="422" sizes="(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-13957" class="wp-caption-text">Geoffrey Boycott. (Photo Source: PA Photos)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Possibly the batsman with the best defence, Geoff Boycott made a sterling contribution to England cricket in his time. His perfect balance and footwork rivalled the greats of all time as he always found a way to score off the bowlers.</p>
<p>Perhaps his only weakness that he tended too long to get going and his slowness was often remarked upon. His 246 not out in Headingley came at a painful strike rate of 44.32, and his 140 against India came in nearly five hours.</p>
<p>He was an Ashes specialist as he made 2945 runs with 7 centuries. He made himself unavailable for five years citing various reasons, and if he had not, he would have surely had over 10,000 runs.</p>
<h4><strong>5. Virender Sehwag (India) &#8211; 8207 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_37648" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-37648" style="width: 650px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/10/Virender-Sehwag-Test-India-Cricket.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-37648" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Virender-Sehwag-Test-India-Cricket.jpg" alt="Virender Sehwag" width="650" height="451" sizes="(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-37648" class="wp-caption-text">Virender Sehwag. (© Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Indian cricket’s superstar, Virender Sehwag took the world by storm with a century on debut against South Africa. His effortless batting, non-existent footwork and quick hands made him the delight of the nation as he was touted as one of the best entertainers of the game.</p>
<p>He proved it with a triple-century against Pakistan in Multan and then repeated it against South Africa in Chennai. He would have become the first batsman to score three, but was unfortunately out on 293 against Sri Lanka.</p>
<p>His ability to take the game away in a single innings was what he was famous for, and he proved it with 83 against England in Chennai, which helped India chase down 387. He scored 11 consecutive centuries of 150 runs or more, which is a world record.</p>
<h4><strong>4. Matthew Hayden (Australia) &#8211; 8625 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_17977" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-17977" style="width: 650px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/05/Matthew-Hayden-380.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-17977" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Matthew-Hayden-380.jpg" alt="Matthew Hayden 380" width="650" height="480" sizes="(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-17977" class="wp-caption-text">Matthew Hayden. (© Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Large, beefy and extremely destructive, Matthew Hayden’s aggression did not extend to the Test arena. While he flayed bowlers in the shorter format, he was quite docile in the longer run, preferring to play “ugly cricket”.</p>
<p>Perhaps that is why he accumulated so many runs, as he worked tirelessly on his defence and his strokeplay. His cover drives and pulls were shows of strength than timing, but he also had an excellent record in the subcontinent. He nearly became the first man to hit 400 in Tests, but fell short as he was dismissed for 380 runs against Zimbabwe. Hayden became only the third player to score four successive centuries – twice.</p>
<p>He nearly became the first man to hit 400 in Tests, but fell short as he was dismissed for 380 runs against Zimbabwe. Hayden became only the third player to score four successive centuries – twice.</p>
<h4><strong>3. Graeme Smith (South Africa) &#8211; 9030 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_38082" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38082" style="width: 650px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/10/Graeme-Smith-South-Africa-Test.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-38082" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Graeme-Smith-South-Africa-Test.jpg" alt="Graeme Smith" width="650" height="432" sizes="(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-38082" class="wp-caption-text">Graeme Smith. (© Luigi Bennett/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>While he didn’t always look good, Graeme Smith could get big runs when he wanted to. Captaining South Africa at a young age, he led the Proteas to victory against every team, stamping his might on the cricketing world. Smith&#8217;s style of batting involved blunting the attack first up and then taking to the older ball, using sheer will to manoeuvre the gaps and accumulating his runs. He scored consecutive double-centuries – in just his 11th and 12th Test of his career– as South Africa crushed England in 2003. He had supreme command of the off-side, at times preferring not to go onside at all. The image of Graeme Smith batting with an injured hand will forever be Test cricket’s greatest moment of all time.</p>
<p>Smith&#8217;s style of batting involved blunting the attack first up and then taking to the older ball, using sheer will to manoeuvre the gaps and accumulating his runs. He scored consecutive double-centuries – in just his 11th and 12th Test of his career– as South Africa crushed England in 2003. He had supreme command of the off-side, at times preferring not to go onside at all. The image of Graeme Smith batting with an injured hand will forever be Test cricket’s greatest moment of all time.</p>
<p>He had supreme command of the off-side, at times preferring not to go onside at all. The image of Graeme Smith batting with an injured hand will forever be Test cricket’s greatest moment of all time.</p>
<h4></h4>
<h4><strong>2. Sunil Gavaskar (India) &#8211; 9607 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_38079" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38079" style="width: 650px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/10/Sunil-Gavaskar-Batting-India.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-38079" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sunil-Gavaskar-Batting-India.jpg" alt="Openers with most runs in Tests" width="650" height="442" sizes="(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-38079" class="wp-caption-text">Sunil Gavaskar. (© Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The first batsman in the history of Test cricket to score 10,000 runs nearly did it by just batting in the opener’s slot. Gavaskar is one of India’s earliest legends, as his resolute indifference to the fearsome West Indies was the stuff of legend. With an impeccable technique and oodles of concentration, Gavaskar wasted no time in becoming India’s best player of his era. He scored three centuries in his first series and finished with 774 runs, a record for a debut series. Powered by his 102, India chased down 403 against West Indies,</p>
<p>With an impeccable technique and oodles of concentration, Gavaskar wasted no time in becoming India’s best player of his era. He scored three centuries in his first series and finished with 774 runs, a record for a debut series. Powered by his 102, India chased down 403 against West Indies, the-then highest run chase in a Test. He scored three centuries in the second innings in a series, and then scored one in each innings, just to round it off. He repeated the feat a year later, and then scored a double-century in the fourth innings – still only one of five people to do so. He finished it off by carrying his bat for India in 1983 and then equalled the record for most centuries, and then passed it. He retired as India’s best batsman, and will continue as a legend in the annals of Test cricket.</p>
<p>He repeated the feat a year later, and then scored a double-century in the fourth innings – still only one of five people to do so. He finished it off by carrying his bat for India in 1983 and then equalled the record for most centuries, and then passed it. He retired as India’s best batsman, and will continue as a legend in the annals of Test cricket.</p>
<h4><strong>1. Alastair Cook – 9630 runs:</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_68343" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-68343" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/04/Alastair-Cook.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-68343"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-68343" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Alastair-Cook.jpg" alt="Alastair Cook" width="600" height="362" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-68343" class="wp-caption-text">England batsman Alastair Cook in action during day one of the 1st Investec Test match. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Stylish demeanour, classy, hardworking are the terms which can be attributed to England Test skipper Alastair Cook. His achievements as a batsman have made him a sort of status symbol among batsmen in England.</p>
<p>Cook, since the day he debuted for his country way back in 2006, was earmarked as the one for the future. He began with a century in his debut game and 10 years down the line he etched his name in the history books as the highest run-getter for his country. All the years, he also was one of the best openers in the Tests.</p>
<p>Cook shortly after becoming the youngest batsmen to reach 10,000 runs in Test went ahead of Sunil Gavaskar to own the record for most runs scored while opening in Tests. He achieved the milestone in his 219th innings during his knock of 81 against Pakistan in 2016 at Lord’s.</p>
<h5>Also Read &#8211; <strong><a href="http://goo.gl/2jyL3H" target="_blank">Top 10 players having played most consecutive Test matches</a></strong></h5>
<p><em><strong>(All stats updated till July 16, 2016)</strong></em></p>

Top 10 Openers with most runs in Tests

Top 10 Openers with most runs in Tests: In the modern game, batting is often preferred over bowling. The aesthetic drives down the ground, the elegant pulls

Top 10 Openers with most runs in Tests

1. Alastair Cook – 9630 runs:

Also Read – Top 10 players having played most consecutive Test matches