Top 5 number 5s in Tests for New Zealand

#2 Nathan Astle

The right-hander is one of the best batsmen to have played for New Zealand and over the course of his decade-long career from 1996 to 2006, Nathan Astle became one of the most important middle-order batsmen for the Kiwis.

Astle was an excellent stroke-maker and in addition to that, he had the defensive technique to hold his own in trying conditions as well. However, it was his ability to score at a fast clip that made him such an important player at number 5 and in a career spanning 81 Tests, he played at the position in 62 of those.

On the other hand, he was a decent player of spin bowling as well and that made him an excellent middle-order batsman for the Kiwis at number 5.

He remains the most prolific number 5 in the history of New Zealand cricket with an aggregate of 3181 runs, at an average of 37.86. Astle also made 8 centuries and 16 half-centuries.