Top 5 opening batsmen with most runs in Tests

#4 Matthew Hayden

Hayden often bullied opposition bowlers into submission

An integral part of the all-conquering Australia side of the early 2000s, Matthew Hayden cut an imposing figure at the crease. The left-hander stood tall and bludgeoned bowling units without breaking a sweat. Though he initially made a mark with a century against the likes of Courtney Walsh and Ian Bishop in the 1997 Adelaide Test, the Queenslander came into his own during the famous 2001 series in India.

When confronted with the deadly combination of Harbhajan Singh and turning tracks, Hayden swept his way to become the leading run-scorer in a series which Australia eventually lost 1-2. At home, he was even more dangerous with opposition teams often ending the first day of a Test upon receiving a hammering at his hands.

Overall Career: 8625 runs from 184 innings at an average of 50.73 and strike-rate of 60.10 with 30 centuries and 29 fifties

Runs as an opener: Same as above