Top 5: Batters with Most Ducks in International Cricket (All Formats Combined)

In the world of cricket, while batters are usually celebrated for their runs, centuries, and match-winning performances, there exists a less glamorous statistic that some players have inadvertently excelled at: the number of ducks.

A duck, which signifies a batter getting out without scoring a single run, is often seen as an ignominious feat and a low point in any batter’s career.

However, this statistic also tells a fascinating story about the game’s unpredictability and the pressure that international players face.

Here, we look at the top five players who have accumulated the most ducks in their international cricket careers.

Interestingly, the list of players with the most ducks in international cricket is not dominated by specialist batsmen but rather by bowlers and all-rounders who have made their primary mark with the ball.

5. Stuart Broad (England) – 49 Ducks

Stuart Broad, the former English fast bowler, is tied with Glenn McGrath at 49 ducks. Broad’s career, spanning from 2006 to 2023, saw him excel as a bowler and occasionally contribute valuable runs lower down the order.

Despite his batting heroics, including a Test century against Pakistan, Broad’s aggressive approach often led to quick dismissals, accounting for his position on this list.

4. Glenn McGrath (Australia) – 49 Ducks

Glenn McGrath, another bowler famed for his prowess with the ball, finds his place at fourth with 49 ducks. McGrath, who tormented batsmen with his line and length, was less proficient with the bat.

From 1993 to 2007, his batting statistics were often overshadowed by his exceptional bowling achievements. McGrath’s primary role was to dismantle opposition line-ups, a task he executed with great success, but his batting record includes a fair share of ducks.

Also Read | Top 5: Most Wickets by a Bowling Pair in Test Cricket

3. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) – 53 Ducks

Sanath Jayasuriya, a name synonymous with aggressive batting and powerful stroke play, surprisingly finds himself third on this list with 53 ducks.

A destructive opener who revolutionized the role in limited-overs cricket, Jayasuriya’s career from 1989 to 2011 was filled with highs and lows. While he amassed over 21,000 international runs, his aggressive style also led to numerous low scores and, consequently, a significant number of ducks.

2. Courtney Walsh (West Indies) – 54 Ducks

Courtney Walsh, the formidable West Indian fast bowler, occupies the second spot with 54 ducks. Known for his deadly pace and ability to intimidate batsmen, Walsh was less adept with the bat.

His career, from 1984 to 2001, saw him contribute more with the ball than the bat. Despite his batting shortcomings, his contributions to West Indies cricket with the ball remain unparalleled, with over 500 Test wickets to his name.

1. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) – 59 Ducks

Muttiah Muralitharan, the legendary Sri Lankan spinner, holds the record for the most ducks in international cricket with 59. Despite being one of the greatest bowlers of all time, with a record 800 Test wickets and 534 ODI wickets, Muralitharan’s batting was often an afterthought.

His primary focus was on his bowling, and his batting statistics reflect that, with frequent low scores and, notably, a plethora of ducks. His career, spanning from 1992 to 2011, saw him dismissed for nought more times than any other cricketer in history.