Ranking the top 10 Test openers in the world currently

#1 Dean Elgar (South Africa)

Elgar is one of the more experienced players in this South Africa team

The second South African in the top three, but there is a reason that the Proteas are one of the top Test sides on the planet right now. Elgar may not be one of the most glamorous names on this list, but that isn’t always what makes a great opener. The 31-year-old has become a massive player for South Africa over the last few years and has now become the most reliable opener in Test cricket.

He is now 51 Tests into a career that has seen him average just over 41, with 11 hundreds to his name and 12 fifties. What is most important though is the role he plays in this South African side. He has played with the likes of Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers and Francois du Plessis during his career to this point, and the fact is he has consistently shielded them from the new ball, and helped them to put big scores on the board.