Stewie Dempster New Zealand's first centurion and first world-class batsman. When
Wisden named him a Cricketer of the Year in 1932, it said he was the best batsman New Zealand had produced. Dempster played only 10 Tests, averaging 65.72, and twice scored three centuries in three innings for Leicestershire.
Graham Dowling Described by Dick Brittenden as a "watchful, sound, often elegant batsman, a precise cutter, strong on the pull, a fluent driver through the covers". A superb fielder and leader by example, he scored 239 in his first game as captain, leading New Zealand to their first win over India, and averaged 31.16 over 31 Tests, with three centuries.
Glenn Turner New Zealand's first real professional, Turner brought a professional's perfectionism to his batting. Among the best batsman of his era, he was not ashamed of his ambitiousness either. Starting as a one-dimensional defensive batsman, he reinvented himself so he could play any shot on demand and score as fast as any of his contemporaries.
John Wright His sound opening capabilities were critical to the most successful New Zealand side - the one of the eighties. Wright scored centuries against all six opponents available at the time, and became the first man from his country to make over 4000 Test runs.
Bruce Edgar He played the fastest of bowlers straight and with assurance, and formed a solid all-lefty association with Wright - against, among others, the West Indies pace quartet and Lillee, Thomson and Alderman.
Mark Richardson Never mind his sprinting in the Revolting Lycra Suit, the SLA-turned-opener brought all the seriousness and dourness an opening batsman needed to survive for hours against challenging bowling. Richardson faced on average 194 balls per Test, the most among all New Zealanders.
Bert Sutcliffe Dashing and correct, Sutcliffe was one of New Zealand's best batsmen ever. His affable personality made him hugely popular. Rivalled only by Neil Harvey, Sutcliffe was the finest left-hand batsman of his era. He scored four of his centuries while opening, averaging 45.20.