Highest aggregate partnerships for each wicket in Test cricket

Second Wicket

Ricky Ponting and Matthew Hayden lead the Australian juggernaut

The batsman at number three is the backbone of the batting lineup. He has to be able to withstand the barrage if one of the openers is removed early and ensure the team to the position of safety with the other opener. Precisely the reason for many great batsmen batting at number three.

Australia ruled over cricket for a period of roughly 13 years, starting from 1995 to 2008. The ‘Engine room’ of their batting juggernaut included their top three batsmen. Once Justin Langer was dismissed, it was Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting who refused to get separated. The pair is more than a thousand runs clear of the next candidate. Hayden and Ponting raised 4,734 runs in 71 outings while averaging 71.72 per innings. They enjoyed 100 run partnerships 16 times with 272 being their best performance.

They are followed by another left-right combination of opener Graeme Smith and number three Hashim Amla. The South African duo scored 3,644 runs together at an average nearing 59. Desmond Haynes and Richie Richardson from West Indies remain a close third.