Cricket has many unique terms, and one of the most unusual is the diamond duck. While fans are familiar with golden ducks and even platinum ducks, the diamond duck is far rarer. It is often seen as one of the most unlucky dismissals in the game.
In this blog, we will explain what a diamond duck in cricket means, how it differs from other types of ducks, and share examples that every fan should know.
What Is a Diamond Duck in Cricket?
A diamond duck in cricket happens when a batter gets out without facing a single ball.
This can occur if:
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The batter is run out before facing a delivery.
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The batter is stumped without playing a ball.
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The batter is dismissed in unusual circumstances like time-out.
In simple words, it means zero runs without even getting the chance to face one ball.
Diamond Duck vs Golden Duck
Fans often confuse the two. Here’s the difference:
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Golden Duck: Batter gets out on the very first ball faced.
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Diamond Duck: Batter gets out without facing any ball.
This makes the diamond duck much rarer and often more embarrassing because the batter never even gets to bat properly.
How Can a Diamond Duck Happen?
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Run Out Without Facing a Ball
If a new batter runs for a risky single and is dismissed before facing, it counts as a diamond duck. -
Stumped Without Facing a Ball
This is rare but possible if a batter leaves the crease before facing delivery and is stumped. -
Timed Out
If a batter takes more than the allowed time (usually 3 minutes) to reach the crease, it is recorded as a diamond duck. -
Obstructing the Field Before Facing a Ball
If a batter blocks a fielder or breaks rules before playing, it could be classified as a diamond duck.
Famous Examples of Diamond Ducks in Cricket
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In Tests: There have been rare cases of batters being run out without facing a ball, especially during mix-ups.
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In ODIs and T20s: Pressure situations often lead to run outs, making diamond ducks possible.
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In Domestic Cricket: These are slightly more common due to inexperience and poor communication between batters.
One notable example: In 2006, Inzamam-ul-Haq was dismissed for a diamond duck in an ODI against England, run out before facing a delivery.
Why Is a Diamond Duck Embarrassing?
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The batter doesn’t even get a chance to prove themselves.
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It often happens due to poor communication or misjudgment.
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Fans see it as an unlucky and frustrating dismissal.
Rare Dismissals in Cricket: Beyond the Diamond Duck
Cricket is full of strange dismissals. Some of the rare ones include:
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Hit Wicket: When the batter hits the stumps with their body or bat.
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Handled the Ball: Rare dismissal when a batter touches the ball with their hand.
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Timed Out: When the batter takes too long to come to the crease.
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Obstructing the Field: When the batter deliberately blocks fielders.
The diamond duck falls into this “rare dismissals” category, making it memorable for fans.
Why Fans Love Learning About Diamond Ducks
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Adds humor to the game
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Shows cricket’s unpredictable nature
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Makes commentary and highlights more entertaining
Diamond Duck Records and Statistics
While golden ducks are common, diamond ducks are recorded far less often. In most cases, they occur in high-pressure matches when batters rush between wickets.
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In Test cricket, fewer than 20 recorded diamond ducks exist in official stats.
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In ODIs and T20s, diamond ducks usually happen due to run-outs during close games.
How CricHeroes Helps Track Rare Dismissals
If you play grassroots cricket, even rare dismissals like diamond ducks can be recorded. With the CricHeroes app, you can:
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Track dismissals like ducks, golden ducks, and diamond ducks
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Use cricket calculators to understand match stats like net run rate and strike rate
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Get live ball-by-ball commentary and scorecards
👉 Download the CricHeroes app to track your cricket journey with professional-level detail.
FAQ Section
1. What is a diamond duck in cricket?
It is when a batter gets out without facing a single ball.
2. How is a diamond duck different from a golden duck?
Golden duck = out first ball. Diamond duck = out without facing any ball.
3. Can a run-out cause a diamond duck?
Yes, if the batter is run out before facing a delivery.
4. Is a diamond duck common?
No, it is very rare compared to golden or silver ducks.
5. What is a platinum duck?
It refers to a dismissal on the very first ball of the entire innings.
6. Can a timed-out dismissal be a diamond duck?
Yes, because the batter did not face a ball.
7. Who has the most diamond ducks in cricket?
There are very few cases recorded, but some batters have faced it multiple times in domestic matches.
8. Do diamond ducks count in player averages?
Yes, they are recorded as a dismissal with zero runs.
9. Can diamond ducks happen in T20s?
Yes, often due to risky running between wickets.
10. Can fans track diamond ducks in grassroots matches?
Yes, apps like CricHeroes track every dismissal type.
Conclusion
A diamond duck in cricket is one of the rarest dismissals. Unlike the golden duck, where a batter at least faces a ball, the diamond duck gives no chance to even take strike. It happens due to run outs, stumpings, or time-outs, making it both unlucky and memorable.
For fans, learning about terms like the diamond duck makes cricket more interesting. And for players, using apps like CricHeroes ensures every dismissal—no matter how rare—is recorded with complete accuracy.
