10 middle-order batsmen who became great openers

Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle has scored an ODI double ton and two triple centuries in Tests.

The towering figure from Jamaica, who has revolutionised the art of hitting at the top of the order, started his international career buried in the middle order. He started off at No.4, and dropped as low as 7 in his initial matches. However, his huge swing of the bat and terrific hand-eye coordination made him a candidate at the top of the order.

He first opened in ODIs against Zimbabwe, scoring a steady 41 in 2000 at Bristol. He took time, but the lack of options made him the primary choice at the top. A blistering 152 against Kenya in 2001 sealed the deal for him in limited overs, and the "Universe Boss" took off from there. He now has 9221 ODI and 7214 Test runs to his name, including an ODI double-ton and two Test triple centuries.