Top 10 Australian Test openers of all time 

#9 David Boon

David Boon

Most fans may now relate David Boon as a recognizable match referees. But a lot of people forget that he was one of the grittiest batsmen to have played for Australia.

Despite not being the most fluent player, Boon always found a way to get runs in all conditions. He had a great ability - occupying the crease for long periods of time. Boon started off as a middle-order batsman, but his struggles against spin prompted the team management to promote him to open the batting.

Boon settled into the opening position nicely as he was consistent in that slot. In the 63 innings the big Tasmanian opened the batting, he scored 2614 runs at an average of 45.07. He formed a vital opening partnership with Geoff Marsh during Australia’s rebuilding phase under Allan Border.

In 1995, during Australia’s tour to the West Indies, Boon played his 100th Test and became only the second Australian player to play 100 Tests.

Opening the batting was working well, but the emergence of Mark Taylor and Michael Slater in the early 1990s pushed Boon to No. 3. In 1995, during Australia’s tour to the West Indies, Boon played his 100th Test and became only the second Australian player to play 100 Tests.

In January 1996, he played his Test and finished with 7422 runs at an average of 43.66 which included 21 hundreds.