Five greatest middle-order batsmen for Australia in ODIs

#1 Michael Bevan (1994-2004)

Career Stats: Matches: 232 Innings: 196 Runs: 6912 Avg: 53.17 50s/100s: 46/6 S/R: 74.16

No list of ODI greats can ever be completed without the mention of a certain Michael Bevan. In an era where batting first in white ball cricket was a widely followed practice, Bevan made run-chasing glamorous. With an ODI average of nearly 54, Bevan orchestrated some of Australia's greatest rescue efforts.

Devoid of the six-hitting ability that the modern batsmen possess today, the genius of Bevan was built on swift running between the wickets and astute game management.

Bevan spearheaded a plethora of successful run chases for Australia during his time but his magnum opus truly arrived on New Year's Day against the West Indies in 1996. Australia had been reduced to a mere 6/38 in response to the West Indies' 172 when Bevan walked out. It soon became 7/71 when Ian Healy was bowled by Roger Harper for 16.

Bevan (78) remained undeterred with the carnage around him as he took the attack to the West Indies, cutting and driving with subtle ease. It all came down to the final ball and with four runs required, Harper bowled one of the worst balls he's ever bowled in his career, as Bevan dispatched it straight down the ground to complete one of the most sensational rescue acts in the history of white ball cricket.