The Best First-Wicket Test Partnerships Against England Since 2022

Okay, cricket fans, let’s talk about partnerships, in particular, the golden opening partnerships that set the course of play against England. Since the beginning of 2022, we have seen some brilliant and some entertaining first-wicket partnerships that have had spectators gripped and bowlers pulling their hair out. Whether that was at an extremely slow run rate or ferociously attacking, opening partnerships usually make the platform for a big innings in Test cricket. Here, we are going to take a look at the largest first-wicket partnerships in Test Cricket against England since 2022, looking into what made them special and why they mattered.

Abdullah Shafique & Imam-ul-Haq (Pakistan) – 225 Runs at Rawalpindi

When Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq began to bat against England in the first test in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, in December 2022, it appeared like they were undertaking a performance of art in building a partnership. They put on 225 in 65.4 overs — a mix of steely resolve and graceful batting. Their run rate of 3.42 displayed the right proportions of patience, common sense, and positivity to manage to frustrate the bowlers in navigating on their turf. In terms of considering and delivering time and audacity to the innings was a new reminder of how a meaningful opening partnership can suck the life out of the initial momentum of the opposition; it was not just runs, it was a declaration that Pakistan had the openers that are ahh right!

Conway and Latham (New Zealand) – 149-run stand in Wellington.

Fast forward a few months from there to February 2023 in Wellington, New Zealand, and Kiwis DP Conway and TWM Latham delivered their version of magic with a partnership of 149 runs as their opening wicket. They had fewer runs than the Pakistani duo, but they were able to display a phased strategic burn innings lasting over 52.5 overs at an arduous run rate of 2.82. Footnote: Latham and Conway’s batting wasn’t based on flamboyant stroke play but on the calculated risk-taking to nullify the attack from England. As it would happen, these two moved the match at their own pace on home soil and illustrated that there is room for both patience and flamboyance in the game of cricket.

Usman Khawaja & David Warner (Australia) – 140 Runs at The Oval

With July 2023 upon us, Usman Khawaja and David Warner of Australia proved themselves to be two of the best openers in the world. Their 140-run partnership at The Oval was a perfect combination of aggression and control compiled in 41.2 overs with a run rate of 3.38. Far from the grind, it was a partnership with intent; both of them played positively yet responsibly against England’s home pace attack, and it was a reminder that first-wicket stands aren’t limited to survival – they can set you up for a dominant innings.

So what have we learned then? First-wicket partnerships against England have differed significantly in size and style and approach (what do you think of each?). The real challenge with partnerships is somewhere between Pakistan’s 225 runs of patience, New Zealand’s 149 runs of dependability, and Australia’s 140 runs of flamboyance. Each of the partnerships has its characteristics and identity, but the shared goal is to build innings with confidence and momentum. What makes cricket so interesting is that there are so many ways to win, and these first-wicket partnerships demonstrate this. 

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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