In cricket, a “duck” refers to a batsman being dismissed without scoring any runs, resulting in a score of zero. It’s a common and often embarrassing occurrence. There are variations, such as the “golden duck” when a batsman is out on their first ball, and others based on specific situations.
Who has the most ducks in cricket history?
| Players | Ducks | Matches | Innings | Total Runs |
| Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) | 59 | 495 | 328 | 1936 |
| Courtney Walsh (West Indies) | 54 | 337 | 264 | 1257 |
| Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) | 53 | 586 | 651 | 21032 |
| Glenn McGrath (Australia) | 49 | 376 | 376 | 761 |
| Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) | 47 | 652 | 725 | 25957 |
Muttiah Muralitharan, the legendary Sri Lankan cricketer, holds the record for the most ducks in international cricket, having been dismissed 59 times without scoring. While this is an unenviable record, it pales in comparison to his other accomplishments. Muralitharan’s unparalleled success with the ball is what truly defines his career. He holds the record for the most wickets in both Test and One-Day International cricket, a feat that solidifies his place as one of the greatest bowlers in the history of the sport. Despite his batting struggles, his overall contributions to Sri Lankan cricket have left an indelible mark. His legacy is built on his remarkable bowling records, with his batting woes often being overlooked due to his immense success with the ball.
What is a duck in cricket – Meaning of the term
In cricket, a refers to a situation where a batsman is dismissed without scoring any runs, leaving a score of 0 next to their name. This is a scenario every batter aims to avoid, as their main goal is to accumulate runs and contribute to the team’s success. Being dismissed can be especially embarrassing for a player. On the other hand, for bowlers, dismissing a batsman for a duck is a notable achievement and brings a sense of satisfaction. While ducks do occur in cricket, they are less common at the professional level due to the high skill and technique of modern batsmen, making them a rare and significant event in the game.
What is a duck in cricket: Its Origin
The term can be traced back to Prince Edward VII, who was passionate about cricket during his school years. In July 1866, during a match between I Zingari and Norfolk, he was dismissed without scoring, disappointing the spectators. A reporter for the Daily Times wrote that Edward “returned to the pavilion for a egg.”
Although earlier references to are uncertain, this incident popularized the term in cricket. Today, remains a dreaded outcome for batsmen, while bowlers celebrate it as a significant achievement.
What are the different types of ducks in cricket?
- Regular : A batsman is dismissed for zero after facing multiple deliveries. The record for the longest belongs to New Zealand’s Geoff Allott, who faced 72 balls before getting out.
- Golden : A batsman is dismissed on the very first ball they face. Indian batter KL Rahul experienced two golden ducks against Pakistan recently.
- King Pair: When a batsman gets golden ducks in both innings of a match.
- Diamond : Occurs when a batsman is out without facing a legal delivery, such as being run out on a wide ball.
- Platinum : A dismissal on the first ball of the match, sometimes referred to as a Royal Duck.
- Laughing : When the final wicket falls without scoring, often highlighting tailenders’ struggles.
- Silver : A batsman is dismissed without scoring on the second ball faced.
- Bronze : A batsman is out for zero on the third ball.
- Titanium : Similar to a Diamond Duck but occurs on the first ball of the team’s innings without facing a legal delivery.
These variations add flavor and detail to cricket’s rich lexicon and statistics, offering more narrative depth to the game.
