AN Cook is on the threshold of achieving two world records as an opening batsman in the annals of test cricket. He has an aggregate of 9928 runs as on 07.08.16 and needs 72 more runs which would fetch him 10000 runs. If he gets them, then he would become the first ever opening batsman in the annals of test cricket to score 10000 runs.

Another world record is in store for him is the number of half centuries. As on date he has scored 49 half centuries and require one more for his 50^th half century. Should he score it, he would then earn the distinction of becoming the first ever opening batsman to score 50 half centuries. The following table lists the opening batsmen who have scored 9000 plus runs in the annals of test cricket. SM Gavaskar {9607} and GC Smith {9030} are the other two opening batsmen who have an aggregate of 9000 plus runs

No	Player	Team	Mat	Inns	NO	Runs	HS	Ave	C	HC	50+	0
1	AN Cook	Eng	125	224	14	9928	294	47.27	27	49	76	8
2	SM Gavaskar	Ind	119	203	12	9607	221	50.29	33	42	75	11
3	GC Smith	SAF	114	196	12	9030	277	49.07	27	36	63	11