Duck Outs in Cricket: Unveiling the Surprising Origin and Impact on Players

Player getting Ducked Out

What Is Duck In Cricket?

We have often heard about the term “DUCK” from Commentators, Audience and Experts saying that “It’s a Duck”. Duck is generally done by a Batsman cum Bowler during their time on the Field. 

The term “Duck” refers to when a batsman gets out without making any runs. If the batsman is on the pitch even after many balls but gets out without making any runs, i.e., 0, then it’s referred to as DUCK.

When Did The Term Originate And Used For The First Time?

The term “Duck” originated from Britain in the mid-19th Century by a Daily Times Reporter. He was present when Edward, The Prince of Wales got out on 0 runs. The reporter then covered the news by saying “Edward returned to the pavilion for a duck’s egg”. It is believed that the word “Duck” is given because the number 0 looks like a Duck’s egg. This phrase became so popular that it is now known by everyone and is used in matches.

The Surprising History Of “Duck” In Cricket

Ducks are mostly done by bowlers as they don’t have a good hand at batting. There are 8 types of Ducks in Cricket. They are:

1. Regular Duck

This duck means when the batsmen gets out on 0 after facing many balls in a match. The longest Duck in the history of Cricket was made by Cricketer Geoff Allott of New Zealand. He remained on the pitch for 101 minutes and faced 72 balls.

2. Golden Duck

When the batsman gets out on the very first ball without scoring any runs in the match, it is considered as the Golden Duck. 

When a batsman gets out on the very first ball without making any runs in two back to back innings, it is termed as “King Pair” or “Emperor Pair”.

Most Golden ducks are scored by Muttiah Muralitharan.

3. Silver Duck

When the batsman gets out on the second ball of the match without making any runs , it is considered as the Silver Duck.

4. Bronze Duck

When the batsman gets out on the third ball of the match without making any runs, it is considered as the Bronze Duck.

5. Diamond Duck

Diamond Duck refers to when a batsman doesn’t face any balls but gets out while trying to take a run. 

6. Platinum Duck

This duck refers to when a batsman gets out on the very first ball of the inning or the very first ball of the Match. This duck is also known as the ‘Royal Duck”.

7. Laughing Duck

This duck refers to when the batsman gets out on the last wicket or last over without making any runs.

8. Titanium Duck

This duck is similar to Diamond Duck. The slight difference is the batter gets out on the very first ball of the team's innings.

Famous Cricketers And Their Duck Records

Muttiah Muralitharran from Sri Lanka has a total of 59 Ducks, Courtney Walsh from West Indies has a total of 54 Ducks, Sanath Jayasuriya from Sri Lanka has a total of 53 Ducks, Glenn McGrath from Australia has a total of 49 Ducks and Mahela Jayawardene from Sri Lanka has a total of 47 Ducks. 

The most recent duck was given by Shuhman Gill on 19th September 2024 in the First Test Series Match which was India vs Bangladesh which was held in MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.

What Is The Impact Of Duck On The Players?

1. Impacts the Match Outcome:

If the player gets a Duck in the innings it can drop the team’s score in the match and can also decrease the chances of winning.

2. Psychological Impact:

The psychological impact of Duck creates pressure on the player to perform better in the next match which can also lead to stress and anxiety.

3. Impact on Career:

Duck can impact the average score of the player and multiple ducks can result in less opportunities in future.