Top 5 number 6 England Test batsmen of all time

England is the oldest cricketing nation in the world and over the course of its rich history, the nation has produced some of the finest cricketers in the world. Many of them have been top class middle-order batsmen who batted at the number 6 position and helped the team in building totals throughout the course of their careers.

Batsmen at number 6 need to have a range of skills, not least the ability to bat with the tail, the gift of playing spin reasonably well and a technique that allows them to negotiate the second new ball. As one can see, it can be a tough job and over the years and England have had plenty of them. Here is a look at 5 of the very best.

#5 Ian Botham

He is regarded as one of the best all-rounders to have ever played the game and remains one of the greatest cricketers to have represented England. In a career that spanned 15 years (1977-1992), Ian Botham played 102 Test matches and number 6 was his position of choice, having batted there in 66 Test matches.

Botham was a one of a kind batsman who played in a way that all his own and his style depended on taking on the bowlers, hitting mighty sixes and generally having fun out on the field. Throughout his career, he might not have had the inclination to tough it out in the middle and play a long innings, but he had the ability to change games fairly quickly.

That is what made Botham such a dangerous batsman. On the other hand, his attacking instincts meant that despite being England's 2nd highest run scorer at number 6 with a total of 2690 runs, he averaged only 29.23. He made 5 centuries and 14 half-centuries at number 6.