10 middle-order batsmen who became great openers

Mark Waugh

Mark Waugh has 18 ODI centuries to his credit.

Sublime and classy, Mark Waugh’s batting was a treat to watch when on song. One-half of the Waugh twins, Mark evolved into a good opening batsman, partnering with the attacking Adam Gilchrist to become the second best opening pair in Australian ODI history, behind Hayden and Gilchrist. Together they compiled 3919 runs in 93 ODIs, with eight century-stands to their credit.

Waugh was initially tested in the middle order, the position he generally batted in Tests. Till 1995, he used to bat at 3 or 4, often securing the role of an anchor in the middle overs. In January 1996, he was tested on top of the order, and responded with a brilliant 130 against the Sri Lankans. Four innings later, he made another 130, and followed it up with 126 to firmly entrench his spot at the top. He held the position till his retirement in 2002, with exactly 8500 ODI runs in his bag.