Australia is the most successful nation in the ODI World Cups. The country has been the most significant in the ODI WC history and continues to be. Out of the twelve ODI WCs, Australia has won five, which is the most by any nation. The following best is the West Indies and India, with two trophies each in their cabinet. The batters have proved their mettle for the team on every possible occasion and set the tone in every World Cup. The era of Australia under Ricky Ponting was something for which the world was unprepared. He led his nation to two consecutive WC victories in 2003 and 2007. In this article, we will inform you about the top 10 run-getters for Australia in the ODI World Cups.
1. Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting is the top run-getter for Australia in the ODI World Cups. He has led his team in three consecutive WCs from 2003 to 2011. After winning his first two WCs as captain, Ponting led his team to the quarter-finals of the 2011 WC in the subcontinent. The former skipper and a right-handed top-order batter was one of the most prolific batters who dominated the opposition’s bowling attack. He ended his career with 71 international centuries. The batter retired from international cricket in 2012 with five centuries and 1743 runs in five ODI WCs from 1996 to 2011.
2. Adam Gilchrist
Adam Gilchrist was a former wicketkeeper and a left-handed middle-order batter for Australia. In the history of Australian cricket, Gilchrist was one of the best wicketkeepers to ever play for the country. With a bat swing like no other, the southpaw dominated the opposition with his big hits down the ground. His style of playing was unique yet pleasant to watch. Gilchrist made his WC debut in 1999 and played three WCs until 2007. With 1085 runs in 31 WC innings at an average of 36.16, Gilchrist is the second-best run-scorer for his nation in the ODI WCs.
3. David Warner
David Warner is a left-handed opening batsman for Australia in all forms of the game. He has established himself among the best of the attacking batters around the world. Players like Warner are an asset and bring priceless quality to the team. The batter is famous all around the world for his aggressive batting style and has proven his mettle on many occasions. He is one of the rarest batters to score a triple-ton in a test match. He made his ODI WC debut in 2015 and has been a regular fit in the team. His experience as a player is unmatched, just like his batting superpowers. The southpaw has scored 1057 runs in WCs so far, including four centuries.
4. Mark Waugh
Mark Waugh was a former Australian skipper and a right-handed batter. He was one of the classy batters and could hit the ball with great ease. The batter played three WCs from 1992 to 1999 and scored 1004 runs, including four centuries. His timing while playing the shots was something only a few batters could replicate. The player retired from international cricket in 2002.
5. Matthew Hayden
Matthew Hayden was a former left-handed opening batter for Australia. He was one of the most brutal batters in the world of cricket. For many bowlers, Hayden was a nightmare who hit the ball long and with a lot of power. His bat swing and head and eye coordination were as perfect as they could be. Hayden played two ODI WCs in 2003 and 2007 and managed to score 987 runs and three centuries. He retired from ODI cricket in 2008.
6. Steve Waugh
Steve Waugh was a former right-handed batter and the skipper for Australia in both formats. He was one of the best skippers for Australia and a great batter as well. His captaincy skills were unmatched because of his mental toughness and calmness. He also bowled decent medium-paced deliveries when needed. The oldest of the three Waugh brothers, Steve played 4 WCs from 1987 to 1999. In 1999, he led his team to the ultimate WC glory. As a batter in the WCs, he scored 978 runs and a century. The Aussie legend retired from international cricket in 2004.
7. Steve Smith
Steve Smith is one of the best modern-day batters in the world. His unorthodox style of play has attracted a lot of attention from experts around the world. With minimal foot movement, he is one of the few batters who rely entirely on head and eye coordination. Interestingly, the batter is the best test batter right now and plays with a lot of consistency as well. He has scored 899 runs in ODI WC so far, which also includes a hundred. This year, the player is playing his fourth ODI WC and has played the last three as well.
8. David Boon
David Boon was a former skipper for Australia. He was one of the most prominent Aussie skippers and led his team by example. From 1987 to 1992, Boon played 2 World Cups and scored 815 runs and two centuries as well. The right-handed batter made his ODI debut against the West Indies at the MCG. The enthusiastic cricketer who played an aggressive brand of cricket retired in 1995.
9. Aaron Finch
Aaron Finch is the only Australian skipper to win a T20Wc. He achieved this feat after defeating England in the final of the 2021 T20 World Cup in Dubai. The former tight-handed opening batter was known for playing attacking strokes in the powerplay. The batter represented his nation in two ODI WCs in 20-15 and 2019. He even led the team to the semis in the 2019 WC. He scored 787 ODI WC runs in his career.
10. Shane Watson
Shane Watson was one of the best all-rounders in the history of the game. The former right-handed batter and a right-arm medium-pace bowler was the critical factor for Australia and provided an unshakable balance to the team. He scored 643 runs in three ODI WCs from 2007 to 2015, including six half-centuries.
