If you ask someone who has the highest batting average in Test cricket, Don Bran’s name will come straight away. The great batter signed off his career with an astounding average of 99.94.
But do you know which opening batter has the best batting average in the longer format? Well, if you don’t know, then read on.
The role of an opener in Tests is tough, provided they have to face the new ball, gauge the playing conditions, and give a solid start. A few openers embraced their roles to perfection, putting in consistent performances with the bat.
So, here are the top 10 openers with the highest batting average in Test cricket (min. 30 innings).
Highest Batting Average as Opener in Test
| Player | Innings | Runs | Average as Opener |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herbert Sutcliffe (ENG) | 83 | 4522 | 61.10 |
| Bruce Mitchell (SA) | 48 | 2390 | 56.90 |
| Leonard Hutton (ENG) | 131 | 6721 | 56.47 |
| Jack Hobbs (ENG) | 97 | 5130 | 56.37 |
| Bob Simpson (AUS) | 70 | 3664 | 55.51 |
| Bill Ponsford (AUS) | 31 | 1517 | 54.17 |
| Usman Khawaja (AUS) | 59 | 2810 | 54.03 |
| Dennis Amiss (ENG) | 69 | 3276 | 53.70 |
| Bill Woodfull (AUS) | 44 | 2036 | 50.90 |
| Matthew Hayden (AUS) | 184 | 8625 | 50.73 |
Key Insights
61.10: Herbert Sutcliffe, who batted in 83 of his 84 innings as an opener, retired from Test cricket with an astounding average of 61.10. This is the highest batting average among the openers who have played a minimum of 30 innings in the Test format. Moreover, he is the only batter with a 60+ average while opening the innings.
