Debate: Identifying Every Male Opener for New Zealand in Cricket Tests during the 21st Century
In an engaging new initiative, a popular cricket website has launched a quiz challenging readers to name as many New Zealand openers who have scored runs in men's Tests this century. The quiz, which ends on September 2, 2025, offers a fun and educational experience for cricket enthusiasts.
With a total of 28 players having opened for New Zealand in men's Tests in the 21st century, the quiz requires participants to identify as many as they can within a five-minute timeframe. Hints are provided, including the teams and number of runs scored by each player.
The quiz is part of a wider offering of cricket-related content on the website, which also provides the latest news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis, and live match odds. The website is up-to-date with the latest cricket information and refreshes properly when needed.
One of the most intriguing facts to emerge from the quiz is that no other New Zealand opener has scored more than 3,000 runs since 2000, with the next best being 2,770. The player with this total has the best average among New Zealand openers this century (44.67). It's worth noting that the current Test captain of New Zealand has scored the most runs (5,700) among New Zealand openers in men's Tests this century, with an average of 38.46 from 87 matches.
Six New Zealand openers have scored over 1,000 runs since 2000, and the number stretches to 13 when the cut-off is reduced to 500 runs. The list includes an all-rounder who was promoted to open in just one match, at Karachi on New Zealand's tour of Pakistan in 2022/23, and he scored only three runs.
The quiz is just one of the many engaging features on the website, which continues to provide cricket updates, including live scores, match stats, quizzes, and more. Whether you're a seasoned cricket fan or a newcomer to the sport, the website offers something for everyone. So, why not give the quiz a try and test your knowledge of New Zealand's Test cricket openers this century?
