Top 10 left handed openers with most runs in Test cricket

#3 Matthew Hayden

Matthew Hayden

Matthew Hayden was one of the most lethal opening batsmen in Test cricket. The big and burly Hayden was a late bloomer in Test cricket but reached lofty heights once he got his opportunity. The Queenslander stood an inch outside his crease and decimated quality seamers with his utter disdain. Hayden was equally adept at playing spin and his exploits in the subcontinent are well known.

‘Haydos’ formed a lethal opening combination with Justin Langer during Australia’s golden era in Test cricket under Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting's captaincy. Seven to eight seasons of heavy run-scoring saw Hayden accumulate over 8000 runs at an impressive average of over 50.

His 30 Test match tons put him only behind Ricky Ponting and Allan Border as Australia’s leading century maker. Few batsmen dreamt of breaking Brain Lara’s herculean 375-run mark which for long stood as the highest individual Test score. Hayden successfully surpassed the gigantic feat with a mammoth 380 against Zimbabwe.

Matthew Hayden's record as Test opener

Matches: 103; Runs: 8625; Avg: 50.73; 100s: 30; 50s: 29