When a batsman fails to score and is dismissed, we call it a “duck”. But why use a word that’s usually associated with a quacking, feathered friend? Well, it all started in 1866 when the Prince of Wales was dismissed for a big, fat zero.
The newspapers of the time reported that he returned to the pavilion on a duck’s egg, likely because the shape of a duck’s egg is similar to the number 0. And just like that, the term “duck” was born and it’s been flying around the cricket world ever since.
In cricket, there are different types of “ducks” that describe the circumstances under which a batsman may be dismissed.
1. Golden Duck
One of the most well-known is the “golden duck,” which is used when a player is dismissed on the very first ball he faces. This can be a humiliating experience for the batsman and demotivate the entire team, as the player returns to the pavilion without scoring any runs.
2. Silver and Bronze Duck
The terms Silver and Bronze ducks are used to describe a player’s dismissal on the second and third ball, respectively.
3. Diamond Duck
The term “Diamond” is used to describe a situation where a player gets dismissed on the first ball of the team’s innings or even without facing the ball. An example of this would be getting run out from the non-striker’s end.
4. Platinum/ Royal Duck
The Platinum/Royal duck is the most significant type of duck in cricket, given to an opener who gets dismissed on the first ball of the match/innings. It’s a highly unfavorable situation for the team, and the player is often disappointed by the early exit.
The term ‘Bombay Duck’
Indian player Ajit Agarkar was nicknamed “Bombay Duck” after getting out for zero five times in a row in a test match against Australia.
First duck in cricket history
The first duck in cricket happened in 1877 during a match between England and Australia in Melbourne. It was the first test match ever, and Ned Gregory got out without scoring any runs when Andrew Greenwood caught him.
Duck Records
Courtney Walsh has the most ducks in test cricket with 43. Reg Perks from Worcestershire holds the first-class record with 156 ducks.
Unfortunate Duck for Bradman
In Don Bradman’s last test match, he got out for a duck, which means he didn’t score any runs. He needed just four more runs to have a batting average of 100, but because of the duck, his average ended up being 99.94.
When the Entire Team Gets Out Without Scoring
In a cricket match played in 1913 between Glastonbury and Huish and Langport, something extraordinary happened. During the chase, all of the Huish and Langport’s batsmen got dismissed for zero runs, resulting in a score of zero runs for the entire innings.
This happened after Glastonbury had set a target of 80 runs, which was considered a modest total.
While we all feel the excitement when a batsman from the opposing team gets dismissed for a duck and the disappointment when a batsman from our team scores the same, we rarely hear about the origin and usage of the term ‘duck’.
Famous Ducks in Cricket History
Even the best players sometimes get ducks. Cricket is a game full of surprises.
Sachin Tendulkar, one of the greatest batsmen, was out for a duck 20 times in Tests and ODIs.
Virat Kohli has also had golden ducks, showing that even top players can be dismissed quickly.
In the 1999 World Cup, Wasim Akram bowled Herschelle Gibbs for a golden duck. That moment changed the direction of the game.
These moments are painful for players, but they make cricket exciting and unpredictable.
How the “Duck” Became Part of Cricket Culture
Today, the word “duck” is a common part of cricket talk. People often say things like:
“He’s gone for a duck!”
“That’s his third duck this series!”
“A golden duck, what a start!”
The word is used with both sympathy and humor. Fans groan, teammates sigh, and commentators smile knowingly. It is a small word that carries big emotions like disappointment, surprise, and laughter.
The Legacy of the Duck
From the Prince of Wales’ dismissal in 1866 to today’s international matches, the word “duck” has remained an important part of cricket. It connects players across generations, from children playing in the streets to professionals in large stadiums.
The duck also teaches every player the same lesson. No matter how skilled you are, failure is part of the game. Every batsman will face a zero at some point, and that is what makes cricket beautifully human.
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