Test Opening Batters

[TheJediBrah]

Trundler in shock "Michael Atherton was just short of world class" admission.

Interestingly, Atherton averaged a fair few points higher at home than he did away from home.

His record from 1990-2000 also isn't all that bad at all, averaging 40.86 opening, and:
32.06 vs Australia (okay not great)
48.66 vs Pakistan
43.83 vs South Africa
33.84 vs Windies (okay not great)

He actually failed to capitalise vs Zimbabwe (37.50 across 4 tests) and Sri Lanka (7.50 but just the solitary test). Never played Bangladesh.

Did very well vs India and NZ

I would argue that 32 v Aus and 34 v WI as an opener with the bowling in those sides is quite impressive

 

[Xix2565]

Has Rohit Sharma opened throughout his Test career? I'd assume not and his home and away averages are ridiculous far apart (73 vs 31), so despite an average in the mid-40s, I'm less sure about how great an opener I think he is. Testing conditions are probably not his strength.

Only began opening since 2019 vs SA and Bangladesh at home, since then has missed Tests due to injuries home and away, starting with NZ tour in 2020. Did okay vs Australia at Sydney and Brisbane, very well vs England on turning tracks and in England for his benchmark, but missed tests vs NZ at home, SA away and the 5th England Test so who knows?

 

[ataraxia]

On average, probably 34 or 35 imo.

 

[Zinzan]

How tall is he? He looked massive when I watched him on tv as a kid/teen.

I work with Trevor, I’ll tell him you said that

He was reportedly 6'5 in his playing days, be interesting if he's dropped an inch or two being 60 now.

TH to measure him at work & confirm

 

[thierry henry]

I would definitely say taller than 6’5” at his peak

 

[The Sean]

72.57 is the obvious benchmark to aspire to.

Got to be 112.00.