Australia’s Best Ashes Openers: With the much-awaited Ashes series looming on the horizon, England gets ready to battle Australia again in cricket’s fiercest rivalry. Throughout history, Australia has had some of cricket’s greatest and most enduring openers during the Ashes.
These Ashes openers have played a crucial role in setting up series-winning moments, from dulling the new ball to setting the tone for their side’s innings.
The Role of Ashes Openers
In the extremely competitive Ashes series, the opening batsman has always played a pivotal role. The role of the openers is to negotiate the new ball, provide an early foundation, and be the important first actors in the innings. While Australia has produced many great cricketers throughout the history of the game, its Ashes openers have always been front and center for the nation’s success in the longest form of the game.
This list of ten showcases the best Australian Ashes openers over the past handful of decades and recognizes their ability to play at the highest level under the arduous and specific conditions of Ashes Test cricket. Interestingly, this list does not include David Warner and Justin Langer despite their careers being incredibly impressive.
Top seven Australia’s Best Ashes Openers
1. Bob Simpson
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Ashes Career: 1961-1966
Matches: 13
Runs: 1,244
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Highest Score: 311
Average: 62.20
Bob Simpson was the epitome of a technical cricketer and soldier of Ashes cricket. His 311 at Old Trafford in 1964 is one of the highest individual scores by an Australian in Ashes cricket. Although his Ashes career was relatively short in length, his incredibly high average of 62.20 over 22 innings is a reflection of his dominance over England.
2. Arthur Morris
Ashes Career: 1946-1955
Matches: 24
Runs: 2,080
Highest Score: 206
Average: 50.73
Arthur Morris was a left-handed batsman who was renowned for his elegant stroke play and solidity at the top of the order. Morris was a vital player in Australia’s overwhelming post-war side, and he developed strong partnerships with the great Sir Don Bradman.
His 206 at Adelaide in 1951 is still one of the highlights of his Ashes career. Morris was a consistent opener in nearly ten years of Ashes cricket, contributing to Australian success on a regular basis.
3. Mark Taylor
Ashes Career: 1989-1999
Matches: 33
Runs: 2,496
Highest Score: 219
Average: 42.30
Mark Taylor, the gritty fighter and leader, established the platform for the Australian team throughout the 1990s. Being a solid base of the opening combination, Taylor’s capability to survive the new ball and ride out early spells from England pacers was crucial.
His 219 at Trent Bridge in 1997 is a gem of his Ashes career. Aside from his runs, Taylor’s captaincy contributed significantly to Australia’s successful Ashes teams, guiding them to Australian and overseas victories.
4. Bill Lawry
Ashes Career: 1961-1971
Matches: 29
Runs: 2,233
Highest Score: 166
Average: 48.54
Bill Lawry was the quintessence of patience and resilience. He was renowned for his undeterred concentration and was often the player who wore down England’s bowlers, giving solidity and a platform for Australia’s middle order to flourish. His Ashes cricket tally of 2,233 runs in Ashes cricket seals his place as one of Australia’s most reliable openers.
5. Michael Slater
Ashes Career: 1993-2001
Matches: 20
Runs: 1,669
Highest Score: 176
Average: 45.10
Michael Slater stood in stark contrast to Bill Lawry, as he transformed the opening batsman role into a busy, attacking one. Slater’s ruthless style of Ashes cricket was perhaps best encapsulated in his 176 at the Gabba in 1994, when he savaged England’s bowlers in typical trying Queensland conditions.
Not always the most reliable batsman, he provided Australia a successful run as an attacking batsman in the 1990s with aggressive batting and confident stroke play.
6. Matthew Hayden
Ashes Career: 2001-2007
Matches: 20
Runs: 1,461
Highest Score: 197
Average: 45.65
Matthew Hayden introduced a daunting presence to the Ashes opening role. Tall at the crease, Hayden terrorized bowlers with his attacking style of play and raw power. His 197 in Brisbane in the 2002 Ashes series put Australia on course for a dominant performance.
With Justin Langer, Hayden presented one of the most destructive opening combinations in Ashes history, making him one of the most feared openers of his era.
7. Chris Rogers
Ashes Career: 2013-2015
Matches: 15
Runs: 1,310
Highest Score: 173
Average: 48.51
Chris Rogers’ Ashes career though short was extremely fruitful. Rogers established himself during a turning point for Australian cricket, bringing solidity and maturity to the top order.
His 173 at Lord’s in 2015 was a highlight, although it was his repeated ability to nullify England’s opening bowlers and offer solidity that made him a crucial member of Australia’s top order. Rogers’ impressive average of 48.51 from only 15 matches indicates his influence during his brief Ashes career.
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