3 batsmen who started their ODI career in the middle order but were more successful at the top of the order

Faf du Plessis

Faf du Plessis

He has been South Africa's rock in the ODI format. He has the ability to go bonkers from ball one or grind it out before taking the attack to the opposition. The South African skipper has been instrumental for them ever since grabbing hold of the 1 down slot. He is one of the best in the world and has proved that time and again. He had a poor start to his career and had hardly anything of note in his first 45-50 matches.

He has batted 112 times and has scored 4379 runs at an average of 44.68 and with a strike rate of 88.3. He has an excellent average of 53 at the top with a strike rate of 87.66. He has scored 3304 runs in 69 innings at the top. In stark contrast, he could only manage 1075 runs in 43 innings at an average of 29.86 and a strike rate of 90.33 while batting in the middle order.

There is a difference of 23.14 between both the averages.