Opening Batter (Opening the Batting)
Also known as: opening batter, opening batsman, opener in cricket, opening the batting in cricket, opening the innings in cricket, opening partnership
Opening batters bat first and face the new ball. To be a good opener, build a tight defence, know where your off stump is and leave well early on. Talk with your partner, run hard and score from bad balls. In limited-overs cricket, openers also use the powerplay to score while the field is up.
Openers set the tone. In multi-day cricket the main job is to see off the new ball and give the middle order a platform. In limited-overs cricket the job also includes scoring quickly while fielding restrictions apply. Many teams like a left-right opening pair. It forces bowlers to keep changing their line.
The partnership matters. Openers decide who faces the first ball. Some prefer to take it, others to watch an over from the other end. They call clearly and back each other up. Talking between overs about the bowling helps both. A shared plan, such as seeing off one bowler and targeting another, makes life harder for the fielding side.
Technically, openers need a still head, a good leave and the ability to play late. A trigger that keeps them balanced against pace helps. Mentally, they must accept that the new ball will beat the bat at times. Moving on from a play-and-miss is part of the job. A good start in the first few overs gives the whole innings shape.
Tips by skill level
Before you walk out, agree with your partner who takes strike and how you will call. Talk at the end of each over.
Study the opening bowlers before the match. Plan which one to see off and which one to score from.
Example
The two openers walk out with a plan. The left-hander takes strike. They leave the swinging balls, run hard between the wickets and reach 40 without loss by the first drinks break.
Why it matters
A good opening stand protects the middle order from the new ball. It often decides how the whole innings goes.
Common mistakes
- Driving at wide balls in the first few overs
- Not agreeing a plan with your partner
- Letting a play-and-miss affect the next ball
- Ignoring the powerplay field in limited-overs games
Frequently asked questions
How do I become a good opening batter?
Work on a tight defence, a good leave and knowing where your off stump is. Be patient against the new ball and score from bad balls. Communicate and run well with your partner.
What does an opening batter do?
Openers bat first and face the new ball. Their job is to see off the early threat and build a platform. In limited-overs games they also try to score quickly while the field is up.
Should I take the first ball as an opener?
It is a personal choice. Some openers like to face straight away. Others prefer to watch an over from the non-striker's end. Agree it with your partner before you walk out.
Related terms
- Batting Order and Batting RolesThe batting order is the sequence in which a team's batters come in. Openers face the new ball, the number 3 steadies or attacks, the middle order builds and finishes, and the lower order adds late runs. In limited-overs cricket, teams also name roles such as anchor, finisher and floater.
- Batting Against the New BallThe new ball is hard and shiny with a raised seam. It swings, seams and bounces most. Against it, know your off stump, leave well, play late with soft hands and score mostly from balls on your pads or short and wide. Once the shine and hardness fade, batting usually gets easier.
- PowerplayA powerplay is a set of overs in limited-overs cricket when the fielding side may have only a few fielders outside the 30-yard circle. In T20 internationals the first six overs allow two fielders outside it. In one-day internationals, overs 1 to 10 allow two, overs 11 to 40 allow four and overs 41 to 50 allow five. Other competitions can set their own versions, so check your playing conditions.
- Leaving the BallLeaving the ball means choosing not to play at a delivery and lifting your bat and hands up out of its path. As a result, it goes through to the keeper. Leave balls you judge will miss the stumps, usually those wide of off stump or bouncing over the top. Move your feet into position first, then lift the bat high and keep watching the ball until it passes you.
- Calling Between the WicketsMany coaches teach that the striker calls for balls hit in front of the wicket and the non-striker calls for balls behind square, where the striker cannot see. Use three clear words: "yes", "no" and "wait". It is a coaching convention, not a Law. Agree it with your partner before you bat.
- Left-Handed BattingBat the way that gives you the most control, whatever hand you write with. Research has found pro batters are much more likely than beginners to bat with their stronger hand on top of the handle. Left-handers face different angles from bowlers. Left-right partnerships make bowlers keep changing their line.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.