In cricket, a “duck” refers to a batsman getting out without scoring any runs. It’s a term that carries a mix of disappointment and humor, symbolizing an unproductive outing with the bat. Ducks are a common part of the game, experienced by both beginners and legends alike.
Over time, cricket fans and commentators have created different categories of ducks to describe how and when a batsman gets out for zero. These types add a colorful layer to cricket’s rich vocabulary and highlight various challenging moments players face.
This article explores the different types of ducks in cricket, explaining their meanings and significance in the game.
Why Is It Called a “Duck” in Cricket?
The term “duck” in cricket originated from the phrase “duck’s egg,” which was used in the 19th century to describe the number zero due to its oval shape resembling an egg. One of the common ways a batter can be dismissed is by being out without scoring, which is referred to as scoring a duck’s egg.
Over time, the term was shortened to just “duck,” becoming a widely accepted part of cricket vocabulary. The usage was first recorded in 1866, when a Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) was dismissed for nought, and a newspaper illustrated a duck to humorously represent his score. The term stuck ever since.
Different Types Of Duck In Cricket
Getting dismissed without scoring is a harsh reality in cricket, but the game has developed several unique terms to describe exactly how a batsman’s innings ends scoreless.
These different types of ducks highlight the variety of unfortunate ways a player can be dismissed without making a run.
Let’s dive into each type and understand its significance.
1. Golden Duck
A golden duck occurs when a batsman is dismissed on the very first ball they face, without scoring any runs. This is considered one of the most unfortunate outcomes for a batsman, as it signifies an immediate end to their innings.
Glenn Maxwell was dismissed for a golden duck in the IPL 2025 match between Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings. Attempting a switch hit on the very first ball, he was trapped LBW by Sai Kishore, marking his fifth duck in ten games and setting a new IPL record with 19 ducks.
2. Silver Duck
A silver duck happens when a batsman is dismissed on the second ball they face, still without scoring any runs. While slightly better than a golden duck, it still reflects a brief and unproductive stay at the crease.
In a recent IPL 2025 match between Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings, Mitchell Owen of Punjab Kings was dismissed on the second ball he faced, resulting in a silver duck.
3. Bronze Duck
A bronze duck is when a batsman is dismissed on the third ball they face, without scoring any runs. This term continues the progression of ducks, each indicating a slightly longer but still disappointing innings.
A recent bronze duck occurred when Delhi Capitals batter Karun Nair was dismissed for 0 (off 3 balls) against Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025.
4. Diamond Duck & Platinum Duck
A diamond duck, sometimes also referred to as a platinum duck, occurs when a batsman is dismissed without facing a single ball. This usually happens due to a run out at the non-striker’s end, or being timed out without taking guard.
- Diamond Duck – More commonly used term in cricket for this rare mode of dismissal.
- Platinum Duck – Occasionally used synonymously, though some purists reserve it for first-ball dismissals without facing, like timed-out or obstructing the field.
Angelo Mathews became the first player in international cricket history to be timed out during Sri Lanka’s clash against Bangladesh in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023.
5. Royal Duck
A Royal Duck occurs when an opening batsman is dismissed for zero on the very first ball of the team’s innings. It’s a rare and unfortunate event, often confused with a platinum duck, but specifically applies to the opener’s first-ball dismissal starting the innings.
Mitchell Starc made headlines in the 2021–22 Ashes by taking a wicket with the very first ball of the series, dismissing England’s Rory Burns.
6. Laughing Duck
A laughing duck occurs when a batsman is dismissed for a duck that leads to the end of the team’s innings. This term captures the irony of the situation, where the team’s innings concludes with the batsman’s wicket without contributing any runs to the scoreboard.
In a recent IPL match between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals, Delhi tailender Mustafizur Rahman got out without scoring, and his dismissal marked the end of the innings.
7. Pair
A pair happens when a batsman gets out for zero runs in both innings of a two-innings match, such as Test cricket. It’s a tough blow for any batsman, reflecting two consecutive scoreless innings.
An example is Joe Root, who was dismissed for ducks in both innings of the third Test at Headingley during the 2019 Ashes series, marking the first time in his Test career that he got ducks in consecutive innings.
8. King Pair
The king pair is an even rarer and more embarrassing occurrence where a batsman is dismissed on the very first ball they face in both innings of a match. It’s the ultimate “duck” and a nightmare scenario for any batter.
Travis Head recorded a rare “King Pair” in the 2024 Test against the West Indies at the Gabba, getting out for a golden duck in both innings. He became only the third Australian to achieve this unwanted record.
Most Ducks In International Cricket
Even though scoring a duck is not the most favorable statistic in cricket, it still forms a part of a player’s career records in international cricket. While these players have been dismissed for zero numerous times, they have also scored massive runs and hold impressive records in other areas of the game.
Here is the list of the top 5 players with the most number of ducks in international cricket history:
| Player | Span | Matches | No. of ducks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muthiah Muralidaran | 1992-2011 | 495 | 59 |
| Courtney Walsh | 1984-2001 | 337 | 54 |
| Sanath Jayasuriya | 1989-2011 | 586 | 53 |
| Glenn McGrath | 1993-2007 | 376 | 49 |
| Stuart Broad | 2006-2023 | 344 | 49 |
Also Checkout:
- How Many Wickets Constitute A Double Hat-Trick?
- Mankading In Cricket? (Explained)
- LBW in Cricket Explained
Conclusion: Breaking Down the Different Ducks in Cricket!
Despite being an undesirable statistic, a duck is an inevitable part of cricket that even legends have encountered. From the golden duck to the king pair, each term adds a quirky charm to the sport’s rich vocabulary.
These dismissals may seem trivial, but they emphasize cricket’s unpredictability and the mental challenge it poses. Interestingly, many players known for frequent ducks have also delivered iconic performances, reminding us that resilience defines a cricketer’s legacy.
For both seasoned fans and newcomers, understanding these types of ducks offers deeper insight into the game’s unique character and the stories it continues to tell.
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