Poll 2: Opening batsmen for the Best ODI XI from the Tendulkar Era

[smash84]

purely as an opener gilly is on par with anwar. i would even say he was a tad better. that kind of explosive batting which sets up match winning positions, only gilly produced so often

errr...No

Through the noughties Hayden was there too.

Jayasuriya could also set up match winning positions and Anwar could build a better innings.

Gilly did have the luxury of such an awesome middle order coming after him. His record could have been better.

I think people are mixing his test match performances here

 

[SJS]

I went with Hayden to partner Sachin...although in hindsight should have picked someone more explosive like Gayle/Sanath/Gilly.

I would have gone with Hayden too but for the fact that I wanted Gilchrist as the wicket keeper batsman and I thought, wrongly it appears, that since he batted almost exclusively as an opener, he may not be accepted at another spot in the batting order. If we were asked to name all 11 players together Irrespective of whether they batted at a particular spot or not, I too would open with Sachin's and Hayden with Gilchrist to boost the run rate in the latter part of the innings.

 

[SJS]

Even Mark Waugh is a great choice to partner Sachin. . . Or Amla for that matter. It would be a treat for the eyes to have Sachin and Mark Waugh batting together. A partnership feast for the Gods.

 

[bagapath]

errr...No

Through the noughties Hayden was there too.

Jayasuriya could also set up match winning positions and Anwar could build a better innings.

Gilly did have the luxury of such an awesome middle order coming after him. His record could have been better.

I think people are mixing his test match performances here

16 centuries. 97 SR. no one is better.

 

[Gowza]

dilshan a shout as opener, played 98 innings for an average of 43, strike rate 92, 13 centuries as opener. gayle also a good choice and gilchrist to.

 

[weldone]

It would be a treat for the eyes to have Sachin and Mark Waugh batting together.

Sure, but Lara and Sachin batting together will be better for that purpose IMO..

 

[Red]

Sure, but Lara and Sachin batting together will be better for that purpose IMO..

imo, Mark Waugh was the most, elegant, aesthetically pleasing batsman in my time of cricket viewing. Just superb. Was everything I ever wanted to be as a batsman.

Master craftsman.

 

[Spikey]

Jayasuriya is probably a really fun guy to go through statsguru with

 

[Spikey]

16 centuries. 97 SR. no one is better.

sehwag 15 tons sr 104 30 odd games behind.

#tastin

 

[smash84]

 

[ankitj]

Interesting list to look at: Highest averages for openers with more than 2000 runs.

 

[Satyanash89]

Went for Tendulkar and Gilly.
Always prefer a left-right combination and imo. a destructive opener is an absolute must in odis. Ideally, Gilly provides a rocket start and Tendulkar plays like he always does, aiming to stay till the 35th or 40th over.