Experiencing the dreaded scenario of getting out on the very first ball of an innings is undoubtedly one of the most disheartening moments in cricket, especially when it results in ducks in cricket. Throughout history, every batsman has hoped to avoid the ignominy of scoring ducks in cricket. However, in the unpredictable realm of cricket, such outcomes are sometimes inevitable. While being dismissed for a duck is universally undesirable, the game recognizes several distinct types of ducks. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of different ducks in cricket.
Understanding the Different Types of Ducks in Cricket:
1. Golden Duck:
Among the most infamous types of ducks in cricket, the golden duck occurs when a batsman is dismissed off the very first ball they face in their innings. Countless unfortunate batters have had the misfortune of experiencing this early dismissal.
2. Silver Duck:
The silver duck in cricket, although less commonly known, refers to a batsman being sent back to the pavilion without scoring any runs after getting out on the second ball they face. This type of dismissal is one of the various ducks in cricket that players aim to avoid.
3. Bronze Duck:
As the name suggests, the bronze duck signifies a batsman being dismissed for zero runs on the third ball they face. If the golden or silver duck were considered bad, then the bronze duck would undoubtedly be worse.
4. Diamond Duck:
Regarded as one of the most undesirable ducks, the diamond duck represents a unique situation where a batsman is run out, timed out, or obstructs the field without facing a legal delivery. Essentially, they are dismissed without having the opportunity to face a ball.
5. Royal Duck:
In the realm of ducks in cricket, the royal duck is associated with one of the sport’s most significant Test series—the Ashes. The label of a royal duck is bestowed upon opening batsmen who are dismissed off the very first ball they face in this prestigious series between Australia and England.
6. Laughing Duck:
A laughing duck occurs when a batsman is dismissed for no runs, leading to the end of the innings. This unique situation elicits a sense of amusement and is referred to as a laughing duck.
7. A Pair:
An intriguing scenario in the realm of ducks in cricket is when a batsman is dismissed for a duck in both innings of the same match. Such an occurrence is referred to as “a pair” in cricket, often perplexing and disheartening for the player.
8. King Pair:
An even rarer situation in ducks in cricket is the king pair duck, where a batsman is dismissed for golden ducks in both innings of the same match. This occurrence further intensifies the disappointment for the player.
9. Batting Hat-trick:
Arguably the rarest type of duck in cricket, the batting hat-trick refers to a collection of three dismissals in three consecutive balls across any Test innings. Achieving a batting hat-trick is a remarkable feat in the world of ducks in cricket due to its rarity.