10 middle-order batsmen who became great openers

Justin Langer

Langer combined with Matthew Hayden to become one of the best opening pairs in Tests.

The former Australian batsman was known for his unerring concentration and languid strokes on the off-side. An adept player of pace bowling, Langer initially started his career in the middle order. It took him time to find his feet in international cricket, as he managed only eight Tests in his first six years. An opportunity to bat at the top of the order along with Matthew Hayden turned out to be a career-changing decision, and the two became one of the best opening pairs of all times.

With more than 5000 Test runs between them, Langer complemented Hayden well: his style of accumulation was in direct contrast to Hayden's aggressive and dominating gameplay. He retired in 2007, with 7696 runs from 105 Tests, including a best of 250.