First batsmen (7) Crossword Clue
Answer: OPENERS (7 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "First batsmen" with 7 letters is "OPENERS".Openers refers to the first batsmen who take the field at the beginning of a cricket match. They are responsible for starting the innings, facing the first balls, and setting the tone for the rest of the batting team. Openers typically need to be steady and focused, often playing a key role in building a strong foundation for the team’s score.
Why "Openers" Fits
The clue asks for a plural noun (7 letters) meaning "first batsmen." The answer, OPENERS, fits perfectly:
- First batsmen: In cricket, openers are the designated players who take to the crease at the very start of the innings, leading the batting order—matching the clue’s definition exactly.
- Direct match: With seven letters, openers fits the enumeration perfectly.
- Precise meaning: The word refers to the two players (usually highly skilled at facing a fresh ball and aggressive bowling) whose job is to set the foundation for the team’s batting performance.
Openers are essential to team strategy in cricket:
Origin and usage:
- The term has been central to cricket since the game’s earliest days, and is also used in baseball (for “opening pitcher”).
- Openers are chosen for their technique, patience, and ability to handle swinging or bouncing balls.
Examples and context:
- “The openers gave their team a solid start with a 100-run partnership.”
- “India’s openers are famous for their resilience abroad.”
- “The openers faced hostile bowling in the early overs.”
In quick crosswords like “First batsmen (7),” clues about sports positions or roles usually employ widely known team terms:
Definition: “First batsmen” is a clear description—openers is the only plural noun of this length that matches the context in cricket or related sports.
Clue type: Plural noun, expects knowledge of sport-specific vocabulary.
Solving approach:
- For seven-letter terms for initial players, openers is unmatched; “partners” (8) or “starters” (8) are too long and less specific to cricket.
Crossword pattern: Team role names—openers, bowlers, keepers—are crossword staples because they’re sport-specific and easy to clue.
