Top 5 England Test opening pairs of all time

#4 Andrew Strauss and Marcus Trescothick

The two left-handed batsmen formed one of the most formidable opening partnerships in world cricket between 2004 and 2006 and were responsible for England's new found solidity at the top of the order.

Andrew Strauss was the grafter, who preferred to take his time out in the middle before opening up but Marcus Trescothick was a stroke-maker par excellence and was particularly known for his tendency to attack the opposition.

Both were equally good against spin bowling and had excellent records both in England and abroad. If Marcus Trescothick's mental health condition had not deteriorated then the pair would have opened the innings in many more Test matches instead of just 52.

Even then, their aggregate of 2670 runs in 52 Tests and an average of 52.35 is an excellent return. Strauss and Trescothick posted century stands on 8 occasions and passed the 50 run mark 12 times.

They are most famous for having been the opening pair in the famous 2005 Ashes triumph in England.