PremiumKnow your ducks: In-depth look at the eight types of ducks in cricket
Let's delve into their names and meanings to gain a better understanding of these peculiar cricketing terms.
Types of ducks
The dreaded "duck" is a fear shared by many great cricket players. But how well-versed are cricket fans in the various types of "ducks" that exist?
The term "duck" originated from the days when manual scoreboards represented zero as a shape resembling a duck egg – pointed at the top and wider at the bottom. Thus, when someone inquires about a player's score in their inning, the reply of "a duck" signifies a score of zero.
For those unfamiliar with the nuances, it's worth noting that cricket recognizes eight distinct types of ducks. Let's delve into their names and meanings to gain a better understanding of these peculiar cricketing terms.
Last Updated: 03.15 PM, Jul 03, 2023
1/8
Golden Duck
Possibly the term used the most by players, analysts, and viewers alike. A batter dismissed on their first ball of an inning will grant them a Golden Duck.
2/8
Silver Duck
This term is used when a batter gets out on the 2nd ball of their innings. However, this is not a commanly used term by commentators and is more usually referred as a '2nd ball duck'.
3/8
Bronze Duck
When a batsman is dismissed for a duck on the 3rd ball of their innings. Again not a very common term used and surely fans won't be happy if a batter has not scored by the 3rd ball in a T20 game.
4/8
Diamond Duck
Undoubtedly the worst scenario, a Diamond Duck occurs when a batsman gets run out, timed out or blocks the field without facing a ball. You can still get stumped on a wide even if you are not facing a legal ball.
5/8
Royal Duck
Also known as Platinum duck in some parts of the world, is used when a batsman is given out following the first ball of the first innings of a match.
6/8
Laughing Duck
This term - Laughing Duck - is used when a batter gets out at the end of their team's innings.
7/8
Pair Duck
When a batter gets dismissed for zero in both the innings of a Test match or a first-class game, it is referred to as a pair.
8/8
King Pair
When a batter gets dismissed on the very first ball that they face in both the innings of a Test without scoring any run, it is called a king pair.
Last Updated: 03.15 PM, Jul 03, 2023