As with any sport, cricket has its share of highs and lows despite its magnificent uncertainty. There is more to this illustrious sport than hundreds and five-wicket hauls, which tend to dominate the headlines.
Step into the duck’s world. Not the kind you’d find in a pond, but the ones on a cricket scorecard every once in a while.
It’s a part of cricket’s allure but a number no batsman wants to see next to their name. To top it all off, the most ducks in career record actually exists across multiple mediums.
Intrigued? Let’s dive into the waters of cricket’s most ducks in a career and find out the stories behind them.
Ducks have left their impact in all forms of cricket, from the short-format Twenty20 International to the longer-form One-Day International and the marathon Test Match.
A Crash Course on Recognizing and Understanding Ducks
In cricket, getting a “duck” means you score no runs, so if you’re wondering what that term means, here it is. It’s like something out of a batsman’s worst nightmare.
But, what do you think? Additionally, there is a record for the most ducks in a career. Are you shocked? Let’s divide it down by the type of presentation.
The Unwanted Feathers: Top 5 Players with the Most Ducks in Career Cricket
Cricket, a game of glorious uncertainties, has witnessed numerous records over the years. While centuries and five-wicket hauls are celebrated, there’s another record that often goes unnoticed: the record for the most ducks in career.
Though not a record players aim for, it’s an intriguing aspect of the game that showcases the unpredictability of cricket.
Let’s dive into the list of top 5 players who’ve had the unfortunate distinction of holding the record for most ducks in career across all formats.
1. M Muralidaran (Asia/ICC/SL)
Playing from 1992 to 2011, Muralidaran, primarily known for his spinning wizardry, tops our list. In 495 matches, he batted 328 times, managing to score 1936 runs with a high score of 67.
However, the staggering number here is his 59 ducks, the most ducks in career for any player. Despite this, his contribution with the ball remains unparalleled.
2. ST Jayasuriya (Asia/SL)
Jayasuriya, a legend of Sri Lankan cricket, had an illustrious career from 1989 to 2011. In 586 matches, he batted a whopping 651 times, amassing 21032 runs with a high score of 340.
But even legends have their off days. Jayasuriya registered 53 ducks in his career, making him second on our list. However, his explosive batting and all-round skills overshadow this record.
3. CA Walsh (WI)
Courtney Walsh, the West Indian pace spearhead, played from 1984 to 2001. In 337 matches, he batted 264 times, scoring 1257 runs with a top score of 30*.
With 54 ducks to his name, he’s third on our list for most ducks in career. Yet, his primary role was with the ball, and he excelled at it, becoming one of the best fast bowlers of his era.
4. GD McGrath (AUS/ICC)
The Australian pace maestro, Glenn McGrath, had a career spanning from 1993 to 2007. In 376 matches, he batted 207 times, accumulating 761 runs with a high score of 61.
McGrath registered 49 ducks, placing him fourth on our list. However, with the ball in hand, he was a force to reckon with, troubling batsmen worldwide.
5. SCJ Broad (ENG)
Stuart Broad, the English all-rounder, has been active from 2006 to 2023. In 344 matches, he’s batted 338 times, scoring 4309 runs with an impressive high score of 169.
Broad has 49 ducks to his name, tying with McGrath. Despite this, his all-round capabilities have made him a vital asset for the English side.
ODI’s Most Ducks in Career : The Quick Exit
One Day Internationals (ODIs) are matches that are played at a rapid speed. Batsmen always shoot for the moon when they step up to the plate, but sometimes they wind up with a duck.
It’s a real downer, isn’t it? The catch, though, is that certain players have a natural talent for it. They are now on the list of ODI players with the most ducks scored during the course of their careers.
There are some people on the list who would rather not be there, but records are records no matter what.
While centuries and five-wicket hauls are celebrated, there’s another record that often goes unnoticed: the most duck in career in One Day Internationals (ODIs).
It’s a record that highlights the unpredictability of the sport, where even the best can falter. Let’s dive into the list of top 5 players who’ve had the misfortune of recording the most duck in career in ODIs.
1. ST Jayasuriya (Asia/SL)
Spanning a career from 1989 to 2011, the explosive Sri Lankan opener, ST Jayasuriya, played 445 matches.
With a commendable 13,430 runs under his belt, including 28 centuries and 68 half-centuries, Jayasuriya’s prowess was undeniable.
However, even the best have their off days. Jayasuriya holds the record with 34 ducks, the most duck in career in our list. Yet, his strike rate of 91.20 and 1,500 boundaries show his dominance in the ODI format.
2. Shahid Afridi (Asia/ICC/PAK)
Known for his aggressive batting style, Shahid Afridi’s career from 1996 to 2015 saw him play 398 ODIs. Scoring 8,064 runs with a strike rate of a whopping 117.00, Afridi was a force to reckon with.
However, his aggressive style also led to 30 ducks, making him second on the list of most duck in career. His 351 sixes are a testament to his fearless approach to the game.
3. Wasim Akram (PAK)
Primarily known for his bowling, Wasim Akram, who played from 1984 to 2003, also contributed with the bat. In his 356 ODIs, he scored 3,717 runs.
However, the swing maestro also recorded 28 ducks, tying him with Jayawardene in the most duck in career tally. His highest score of 86 showcases his capability to wield the willow when needed.
4. DPMD Jayawardene (Asia/SL)
Mahela Jayawardene, a stalwart of Sri Lankan cricket from 1998 to 2015, played 448 ODIs, amassing 12,650 runs. With 19 centuries and 77 half-centuries, Jayawardene was a class act.
However, even he couldn’t escape the duck’s curse, recording 28 of them, tying with Akram for the [most duck in career].
5. SL Malinga (SL)
Primarily a bowler, Lasith Malinga’s batting record from 2004 to 2019 in 226 ODIs isn’t as illustrious as the others.
With just 567 runs, Malinga has 26 ducks to his name. While his batting might not have turned heads, his bowling certainly did, making him a legend in the ODI format.
The T20i Most Ducks in Career episode titled “The Swift Departure”
Even more lightning-quick are the T20 internationals. Every single point is important. However, unfortunately, ducks can also be seen here.
Imagine the stress of having to perform in front of a cheering crowd, only to be sent back without moving the needle on the scoreboard. Despite this, there are certain players who have amassed a considerable number of these.
They have engraved their names into the list of players with the most ducks in their careers for T20is. You could call that an unusual claim to fame, couldn’t you?
One such record revolves around the unfortunate event of getting out without scoring, colloquially known as a ‘duck’. While a century or a five-wicket haul is celebrated, a duck is a batsman’s least favorite score.
Yet, it’s intriguing to see which players have amassed the most ducks in career in the T20i format. Let’s dive into the list of top 5 players who’ve had this dubious distinction.
1. PR Stirling (IRE)
Playing from 2009 to 2023, PR Stirling has been a stalwart for Ireland. In 131 matches, with 130 innings, he’s scored an impressive 3408 runs at a strike rate of 135.83.
With a high score of 115*, he’s hit the boundary 394 times and cleared it 123 times. However, the journey hasn’t been without its lows.
Stirling has the record of 13 ducks, making him one of the players with the most ducks in career in T20i cricket.
2. KJ O’Brien (IRE)
Another gem from Ireland, KJ O’Brien played between 2008 and 2021. In his 110 matches, he’s batted in 103 innings, accumulating 1973 runs.
With a commendable strike rate of 130.92 and a high score of 124, O’Brien has hit the ropes 165 times and sent the ball over it on 82 occasions.
However, he’s been dismissed for zero 12 times, placing him high on the list of most ducks in career in the T20i format.
3. RW Chakabva (ZIM)
Representing Zimbabwe between 2008 and 2022, RW Chakabva has played 49 matches. In these games, he’s scored 682 runs with a strike rate of 122.44.
Though his highest score is 48, Chakabva has faced the misfortune of getting out without scoring 11 times, making him a contender for the most ducks in career in T20i cricket.
4. Soumya Sarkar (BAN)
Playing for Bangladesh from 2015 to 2022, Soumya Sarkar has participated in 72 matches. He’s made 1212 runs at a strike rate of 122.42, with a highest score of 68.
Sarkar has hit the boundary 119 times and cleared it 46 times. However, he’s also been dismissed for a duck 11 times, tying with Chakabva in the race for most ducks in career.
5. K Irakoze (RWN)
A relatively new face from Rwanda, K Irakoze has played from 2021 to 2023. In 55 matches, he’s scored 350 runs with a strike rate of 112.17. His highest score stands at 60.
Irakoze has faced the disappointment of getting out without scoring 10 times, making him the fifth player on our list with the most ducks in career in T20i cricket.
Most Ducks in Career Test Matches: The Protracted March Back
Test cricket, on the other hand, is an entirely different ball game. It is the equivalent of a marathon in cricket. At the crease, batsmen can spend hours or even days at a time.
However, there are situations when they are unsuccessful after the very first obstacle. That’s right, the dreaded duck has struck once more.
You probably guessed correctly that there is also a list for the most ducks scored in a career during Test matches. This demonstrates once again how unpredictable the sport can be.
While centuries and half-centuries are celebrated, there’s another record that stands out, albeit for different reasons.
It’s the record for the most ducks in career. While no player wishes to be on this list, it’s a testament to the unpredictability of the sport.
Let’s dive into the top 5 players who’ve had the misfortune of holding this unique record in Test cricket.
1. CA Walsh (WI)
Courtney Walsh, the West Indian speedster, played from 1984 to 2001. In his illustrious career spanning 132 matches and 185 innings, he managed to score 936 runs with a high score of 30*.
However, the record that stands out is his 43 ducks, the most ducks in career for any player. With an average of 7.54 and a strike rate of 44.82, Walsh’s primary role was with the ball, but his batting had its moments too.
2. SCJ Broad (ENG)
Stuart Broad, the English all-rounder, has been a crucial player for England from 2007 to 2023. Playing 167 matches and 244 innings, Broad has scored a commendable 3662 runs with a remarkable high score of 169.
But, he’s also had his share of lows with 39 ducks. With an average of 18.03 and a strike rate of 65.31, Broad’s record is a mix of highs and the most ducks in career.
3. CS Martin (NZ)
Chris Martin of New Zealand, often humorously referred to as the “walking wicket”, played between 2000 and 2013. In 71 matches and 104 innings, Martin scored a mere 123 runs with a high score of 12*.
His record of 36 ducks in his career is noteworthy. With an average of 2.36 and a strike rate of 20.00, Martin’s batting was never his strength, but his most ducks in career record is unforgettable.
4. GD McGrath (AUS)
The Australian pace legend, Glenn McGrath, graced the cricket field from 1993 to 2007. In 124 matches and 138 innings, McGrath scored 641 runs with a high score of 61.
His record includes 35 ducks. With an average of 7.36 and a strike rate of 40.82, McGrath’s primary contribution was with the ball, but his most ducks in career in batting is a part of cricketing folklore.
5. I Sharma (IND)
Ishant Sharma, the tall Indian pacer, played from 2007 to 2021. In his career of 105 matches and 142 innings, Sharma managed 785 runs with a high score of 57.
He has 34 ducks to his name. With an average of 8.26 and a strike rate of 30.56, Sharma’s batting had its moments, but his most ducks in career record is a testament to the challenges of Test cricket.
Why Ducks Are So Important?
You might be wondering why we are talking about ducks at this point in the conversation. To put it simply, it is easy.
Cricket is more than just a game of highs and lows. It is also about the low points. Every every duck has a tale to tell. A narrative depicting a conflict between a baseball bat and a ball.
And other times, the ball comes out on top. But keep in mind that every defeat also paves the way for a future victory. It’s all part of the game of cricket’s merry-go-round!
Most Ducks in Career: Adopt an Attitude of Acceptance Regarding the Duck
The conclusion is as follows. A lighthearted look into the realm of the cricket statistic known as “most ducks in career.”
It serves as a timely reminder that the sport of cricket is just as much about defeats as it is about victories. And although while no one intends to hit a duck, doing so is often inevitable in this game.
Therefore, the next time you see a player heading back with a duck, you should clap and applaud for them. After all, it takes a lot of guts to confront a ball, regardless of whether or not the score finishes in a zero.
Keep in mind that each duck you make in the game of cricket is merely a stepping stone toward the possibility of scoring a century. To the highs, the lows, and everything that lies in between, here’s to you!
