Cricket's Most Dreaded Score: The Story Behind The Word 'Duck’

The term "duck" in cricket has an amusing origin and several intriguing variations reflecting different types of dismissals. Scroll to learn more.

While the term "duck" generally refers to any instance where a batter is dismissed without scoring a run, there are several distinct variations that describe the different ways this can happen.

Source : PTI

In cricket, only a few terms sting a batter more than the word ‘duck'—a dreaded label that signifies dismissal without scoring a single run. A duck has become one of cricket's great levellers, serving as a reminder that even the finest batters can have an off day. No matter how well a player performed in the previous match or the innings, even scoring a century, a duck in the next innings is something that batters find extremely tough to shrug off. But where did this odd term come from and what does a duck have to do with cricket?

The answer goes back to a time when cricket was still growing in popularity in England. In the 19th century, people used the phrase "duck's egg" to describe the number zero. Why? Because the number 0 looks a bit like an egg — and of course, ducks lay eggs.

Soon, this light-hearted phrase made its way into cricket. When a batter got out without scoring, it was said that they had scored a "duck's egg". Over time, the phrase was shortened simply to "duck" — a quicker, snappier way to describe a score of zero.

The term was first seen in print as early as 1866, in a newspaper called The Daily Times, which used the full phrase "duck's egg". But by the early 1900s, especially when radio commentary became common, the shorter "duck" had become the standard.

Different Types Of 'Ducks' In Cricket

Since its appearance in a newspaper, the word has taken on even more meanings. While the term "duck" generally refers to any instance where a batter is dismissed without scoring a run, there are several distinct variations that describe the different ways this can happen.

Regular Duck: Dismissed for zero after facing more than one ball.

Golden Duck: Out on the very first ball faced.

Pair: When someone gets out for zero twice in the same match, it's called a "pair", because two zeroes look like a pair of spectacles.

King Pair: Golden ducks in both innings of a match.

Diamond Duck: Dismissed without facing a legal delivery (e.g., run-out on a wide or at non-striker's end).

Platinum (Royal) Duck: Out on the first ball of the innings or match.

Silver Duck: Out for zero on the second ball faced.

Bronze Duck: Out for zero on the third ball faced.

Titanium Duck: Out for zero without facing a ball, on the very first ball of the team's innings.

Laughing Duck: Final batter gets out for zero, ending the innings.

So while getting a duck is never fun for a cricketer, the term itself has a quirky history — starting from a simple comparison to an egg and becoming a well-known part of cricket language. It's a small reminder that even the best players can have a bad day at the crease.