(estimated 4 minute read time)
In recent years, England has become known around the world for their explosive One Day International (ODI) batting prowess. In fact, the depth and quality of England’s batting line-up have seen them play with a blend of freedom and confidence, regularly chasing down high scores and breaking multiple individual and team records in the process.
Whilst the likes of Buttler, Stokes, and Root are greats of the modern day, England has a rich ODI cricket history and has produced some of the finest ODI batsmen in the world. We’ve taken a look at the top 10 greatest run scorers in England’s ODI history.
1. Eoin Morgan – 6957 runs | 2009 – 2022
Eoin Morgan is not only one of England’s greatest ODI batsmen but also one of their most successful captains. Under his leadership, England won their first-ever ICC Cricket World Cup in 2019. Morgan was known for his aggressive, innovative batting and exceptional leadership skills and after his retirement in 2022, many pundits and fans alike have credited him with the central component in England’s turnaround in the white ball game.
2. Joe Root – 6207 runs* | 2013 – Current
Primarily known for his Test Match prowess, Joe Root has also been a prolific ODI batsman. His classical and elegant batting style, combined with versatility have made him a key figure in England’s ODI line-up and one of England’s best cricketers. Capable of individual match-winning batting, the Yorkshireman’s ODI brilliance over more than a decade has been somewhat overshadowed by his exploits in the Test Match arena.
Credit: England & Wales Cricket Board – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKP_Mg4piUA
3. Ian Bell – 5416 runs | 2004 – 2015
A stylish right-handed batsman who made significant contributions to England’s ODI batting line-up, Bell was a key component during his 11-year ODI career. His consistent stroke play and ability to play match-winning innings made him a treasured asset in the middle order.
4. Paul Collingwood – 5092 runs | 2001 – 2011
A versatile all-rounder known for his gritty batting, effective medium-pace bowling, and outstanding fielding skills. Collingwood played a crucial role in England’s ODI team for over a decade, contributing with both bat and ball. Resilient and able to perform under extreme pressure, Collingwood has since become an integral member of England’s coaching setup.
Credit: England & Wales Cricket Board – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVrhXY8w42o
5. Alec Stewart – 4677 runs | 1989 – 2003
One of England’s most prominent cricketers in the modern era, Alec Stewart was a skilled wicketkeeper-batsman known for his reliability and propensity to anchor an innings and play match-winning knocks. Stewart’s ODI career spanned over 14 years, and his contributions with the bat and behind the stumps during this long tenure made him one of the first names on the England team sheet.
6. Jos Buttler – 4647 runs | 2012 – Current
England’s current captain, Jos Buttler is a dynamic and explosive batsman who can change the course of a match in a matter of overs. His exceptional finishing abilities and adaptability in various batting positions make him one of England’s most valuable ODI assets.
Credit: England & Wales Cricket Board – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJA7u1X7uDo
7. Kevin Pietersen – 4422 runs | 2004 – 2013
Kevin Pietersen was one of England’s most flamboyant and aggressive ODI batsmen. His ability to dominate bowlers with adaptability and innovative stroke play made him a force to be reckoned with in limited-overs cricket.
Credit: England & Wales Cricket Board – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAP1b3d_OE4
8. Marcus Trescothick – 4335 runs | 2000 – 2006
Marcus Trescothick was a powerful and aggressive opener who played a crucial role for England in the early 2000s. His ability to play consistently and to take on bowlers in the powerplay overs was a vital asset.
Credit: England & Wales Cricket Board – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niVDP9dqD_4
9. Graham Gooch – 4290 runs | 1976 – 1995
In a career that spanned nearly 20 years, Graham Gooch was a prolific batsmen and stalwart of the ODI team. Gooch’s ability to dominate bowlers with his powerful stroke play and his knack for setting the tone in the early overs made him a crucial asset to the team. His contributions as an ODI opener helped England reach the World Cup finals in both 1987 and 1992.
10. Jason Roy – 4271 runs* | 2015 – Current
A dynamic and explosive opening batsman known for his confrontational batting style and ability to provide quick starts to the innings, Roy has played a crucial role in England’s recent ODI success. His powerful stroke play, particularly in the powerplay overs, has made him an important member of the team.
*Denotes still active as of 6.9.23
If you’ve loved learning about the best ODI batsmen in English cricket, then discover the highest wicket-takers in history.