In the history of the game, we have witnessed many instances of batters moving out of their preferred slot and excelling there. While it could be down to their excellent adaptability, credit may also be given to the coaches for slotting them there. Now, we see this trend between formats, too. A few cricketers who open the batting in one format have a middle-order role in ODIs. On that note, here, we take a look at five established openers in another format who will play as middle-order batters in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
1) KL Rahul (Test and T20)
KL Rahul started his career as an opener. In Tests and in the T20 format, he still plays this role. However, it needs to be said that at the moment, he may not be the preferred opener for India in both of these formats.
That said, in ODIs, KL Rahul plays a crucial role at No.5. Ever since he got this responsibility, he has been perfect at it. He has brought calmness to the middle-order, something that was missing after MS Dhoni retired. It now needs to be seen how he would do in the ODI WC.
2) Jos Buttler (T20)
Jos Buttler is one of the established openers in another format who will play as a middle-order batter in the 2023 ODI World Cup. In Buttler’s case, though, the transition happened long ago.
He is arguably the best opener in the T20 format right now. Similarly, he is also one of the most destructive middle-order batters in ODI cricket. Leading England in the upcoming World Cup, he will have his hands full to take England all the way to the trophy.
3) Kusal Mendis (T20)
Kusal Mendis is a top T20 opener. He is unfortunate that he is sometimes inconsistent and is also yet to get a lot of chances in global T20 leagues.
Nevertheless, he does not open the batting in ODIs. He plays at No.3 or No.4. He has been in fine form in recent months. Kusal is able to turn up extra gears consistently. This makes him one of the best Sri Lankan batters at the 2023 ODI WC.
4) Mohammad Rizwan (T20)
Rizwan is also a part of this list of established openers in another format who will play as middle-order batters in the 2023 ODI World Cup. The Pakistan wicket-keeper is one of the most consistent T20 openers right now.
However, in ODIs, he has a more difficult task of batting in the middle-order. Losing Babar Azam’s wicket is a big loss to any team that he plays. On most occassions, it is Rizwan who does the damage control with his batting at No.4.
5) Tom Latham (Test)
One of the popular names in this list of established openers in another format who will play as a middle-order batter in the 2023 ODI World Cup is Tom Latham. One of the under-rated batters in the game right now is Tom Latham.
He is a brilliant opener in Tests. However, in the white-ball formats, he is an excellent middle-order batter. Considering he is a left-handed batter, a lot of balance adds up to the XI. Not to mention, he is also New Zealand’s captain when Kane Williamson is not available and also a good keeper.
