8 highest Test averages among opening batters – not many top Usman Khawaja
When Australia and Sri Lanka battled it out in the first Test in Galle, all the talk was around the fantastic knock from opener Usman Khawaja who hit 232 from 352 as Australia played themselves into a winning position with a first innings knock of 654 for six declared.
Khawaja now averages 52.03 from 70 innings at the top of the order. It is a remarkable effort. But just how good is it? Khawaja, the Pakistan-born veteran who is now 38 years old is ninth on the list of openers with the highest averages.
Let’s see who else is on that list… By way of clarification, our list of highest averages for openers also comes with the qualifying criteria of 1,000 runs.
8. Yashasvi Jaiswal (India) – runs: 1,798; average: 52.88
The youngest on this list, Yashasvi Jaiswal, has already made a significant impact in Test cricket. With a fearless approach and a hunger for big scores, the India prodigy is poised to climb even higher in the rankings.
Still just 23 years old he has played 19 Tests, but his arrival on the scene has certainly been impressive.
7. Dennis Amiss (England) – runs: 3,276; average: 53.70
Dennis Amiss was a prolific scorer for England during the 1970s. His ability to handle fast bowling and his aggressive style made him a standout opener in an era dominated by fierce pace attacks.
Amiss was particularly well known for his ability to keep going once started – he scored 11 Test hundreds, but of those, eight exceeded 150.
6. Bill Ponsford (Australia) – runs: 1,517; average: 54.17
A name that may be unknown to many modern fans of the game, Bill Ponsford was a dominant force in the 1920s and 1930s, known for his ability to score double and triple centuries.
His partnership with Don Bradman is still remembered as one of the most destructive in cricket history. While Brian Lara is the man who now holds the record for the highest ever First-Class score, that record was twice held by Ponsford who sprung to prominence in 1923 when he scored 429 in 477 minutes to set the world’s highest first-class score. He bettered it again five years later.
5. Bob Simpson (Australia) – runs: 3,664; average: 55.51
Bob Simpson was a versatile cricketer who excelled as an opener and a part-time leg-spinner. His disciplined approach and ability to play long innings were key to Australia’s success during his era.
An outstanding captain and coach, Simpson didn’t start out as a Test opener, but he made the position at the top of the order his own in a Test career that took in 62 games.
4. Jack Hobbs (England) – runs: 5,130; average: 56.37
Known as ‘The Master’, Jack Hobbs was a run-machine for England in the early 20th century. His ability to adapt to different conditions and his longevity in the game make him one of the greatest openers of all time.
Hobbs played first-class cricket until he was well past 50, ending his career with a whopping 61,237 first-class runs and 197 centuries.
Also read: Which captain has the best bowling figures in Test cricket?
3. Len Hutton (England) – runs: 6,721; average: 56.47
Sir Len Hutton, one of England’s finest batsmen, was known for his flawless technique and an ability to build monumental innings.
His record-breaking 364 against Australia in 1938 remains one of the most iconic knocks in Test history.
2. Bruce Mitchell (South Africa) – runs: 2,390; average: 56.90
Bruce Mitchell, a stylish right-handed batsman, was a cornerstone of South Africa’s batting lineup during the 1930s and 1940s. At a time when South Africa’s batting lacked depth, Mitchell was the cornerstone, often playing within himself to ensure that his side were able to build competitive scores.
He featured in each of South Africa’s 42 Tests between 1929 to 1949 where his ability to anchor the innings and score big runs earned him a place among the greats.
1. Herbert Sutcliffe (England) – runs: 4,522; average: 61.10
Herbert Sutcliffe tops the list with a staggering average of 61.10. Known for his impeccable technique and consistency, Sutcliffe formed one of the most formidable opening partnerships with Jack Hobbs.
His ability to perform in high-pressure situations makes him a legend of the game. His career Test batting average is the fifth highest of all time.
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