Like Marmite, opening the batting is something you either love or hate. You need to have certain qualities to be a successful No.1 or 2, and Wisden Online went to ask some qualified experts - in the shape of two batsmen, `keeper, coach and bowler – exactly what they are. Graham Gooch, an England opener for almost twenty years, originally batted in the middle order, but he said after he moved to the top in 1978 he became a much more correct allround player, and it was then that his career took off. He also said he loved opening as it gave him an opportunity to express himself and dictate the innings. "In my mind, the opening pair with the bat and ball are the two most important positions in a Test team as they determine the course of the match".

From a different point of view, namely behind the stumps, Zimbabwe and Essex wicketkeeper Andy Flower cited the specialist nature of opening, both technically and mentally. "You need to be a compact player with a good technique against the moving ball, and you need to have a special determination and bravery".

Barry Richards, former South African opener, and arguably the best of all time, talked about the importance of batting in pairs as if one of you isn't in the best of nick, the other can take the strike and help you through. He added that it's a sign of a great opening batsman if he can still put together a score when he's scratching about.

Bob Woolmer, now better known for his coaching prowess, opened regularly for Kent and once for England, against the West Indies at The Oval in 1976. He said he loved the experience, especially the challenge of riding the new ball. From a coaching point of view, he emphasized that the basics of watching the ball and playing straight are vital. He added: "It's the best place to bat because you face the best bowlers, so if you like a challenge, opening's for you".

So we know how to be a good opener - but who were the best? Former West Indian bowler Michael Holding picked out Sunil Gavaskar and Geoffrey Boycott. On Gavaskar, Holding was forever impressed with his record against fast bowling, especially if you consider his lack of height. He put it down to his judgement of when to leave the ball. Boycott was even more difficult to get out, according to Holding, as "he would bore you to death". When you did get his wicket, you knew you'd earnt it.

Boycott's name cropped up again, this time from Woolmer who rated Boycott and John Edrich as the best opening batsmen he saw. And what about Goochie? Who would have been his all time favorite to bat with with? He mentioned Viv Richards, Greg Chappell and Allan Border. All great middle-order batsman, but who would he most like to have opened with? That man Barry Richards. "He's without doubt my favorite cricketer and if anyone's teaching their kids to play, you can't go far wrong with that man.

Richards ends by talking about when he opened with former West Indian batsman Gordon Greenidge in their days at Hampshire when they took county attacks apart.

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