No cricketer ever wishes to start their innings by getting out for zero runs. However, when a batter is dismissed without scoring, it’s commonly referred to as being out on a ‘Duck.’
But have you ever wondered what a duck has to do with getting out on zero in cricket? Let’s explore the fascinating origin behind this term.
The term ‘Duck’ is actually linked to the shape of a duck’s egg, which resembles the number zero. So, when a player is dismissed without scoring, it’s also referred to as getting out for a ‘duck egg.’
Historical Context
According to international media reports, the term became popular on July 17, 1866, during a cricket match where the Prince of Wales was dismissed for zero.
The following day, a local newspaper reported that the prince “returned to the pavilion on a duck egg.”
Since then, the term ‘Duck’ has become widely used in cricket, and even today, getting out for zero is commonly known as a ‘Duck’ or colloquially as getting out on an ‘egg.’
What Are ‘Golden’ and ‘Diamond’ Ducks?
We all know that if a cricketer gets out on zero, it’s called a ‘Duck.’ But did you know that there are specific terms for how a batter gets out for zero?
- A Golden Duck occurs when a player is dismissed on the very first ball they face.
- A Diamond Duck happens when a batter is run out without facing any legal deliveries, typically from the non-striker’s end. For instance, if a new batter steps onto the pitch, stands at the non-striker’s end, and gets run out before facing a ball, this is called a Diamond Duck.
Moreover, if a new batter gets out via stumping on a wide ball without facing any deliveries, it’s also termed a Diamond Duck.
Record Holders
It’s worth noting that Sri Lanka’s legendary cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya holds the record for the most ducks in One-Day International (ODI) cricket, being dismissed for zero 34 times. Following him is Pakistan’s former captain Shahid Afridi, who was dismissed for zero 30 times in ODIs.
