Batsmen With Most Ducks in Cricket History (Tests/ODI/T20Is)

In cricket, a “duck” is one of the most frustrating moments for a batsman, as he retreats into the shadows without scoring a run. Despite the horrific statistics, ducks are an integral part of the game. Interestingly, many of the players who have taken the most ducks are not specialist batsmen but all-rounders and bowlers. However, there are many run-scorers and batting icons on this list as well. This shows how unforgiving cricket can be at the highest level.

Let’s take a look at the batsmen who have taken the most ducks in Tests, ODIs and T20Is in international cricket history.

1. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka/Asia XI/ICC): 59 Ducks   

The record of the great spinner Muttiah Muralitharan is incredible. Namely, the record for the most ducks in international cricket history. Across all formats, Murali was dismissed 59 times without scoring a single run.

• Career span: 1992–2011
• Matches: 495
• Innings: 328
• Runs: 1,936
• Highest score: 67
• Ducks: 59

Murli had 800 Test wickets and 534 ODI wickets. Thus, he became the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket and one of the most feared bowlers of all time. However, his duck was almost expected, especially when he came into the field as a tailender. Fans remember his batting more for his clumsy attitude and ability to survive a few balls than for scoring runs.

2. Courtney Walsh (West Indies): 54 Ducks   

One of the greatest fast bowlers to play on Caribbean soil, Courtney Walsh was the first bowler in history to take 500 Test wickets. However, he was a very delicate batsman.

• Career span: 1984–2001
• Matches: 337
• Innings: 264
• Runs: 1,257
• Highest score: 30*
• Ducks: 54

Walsh’s main role was not to build innings, but to break down the batting lineup. His 54 ducks highlighted his limitations, but Caribbean fans greatly enjoyed his determination to stay at the crease despite the lack of runs. However, his bowling skills overshadowed any criticism of his batting. With 519 Test wickets, Walsh is a true West Indies legend.

3. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka/Asia XI): 53 Ducks   

Many will be surprised to know that one of Sri Lanka’s greatest batsmen and opener Sanath Jayasuriya also made it to this list after being dismissed for duck 53 times.

• Career span: 1989–2011
• Matches: 586
• Innings: 651
• Runs: 21,032
• Highest score: 340
• Ducks: 53

Jayasuriya was a batsman who revolutionised ODI cricket with his dynamic debut during the 1996 World Cup. With over 21,000 international runs, 42 centuries and 103 half-centuries, his achievements outweighed his failures. However, his aggressive style often meant taking risks early in his innings, which sometimes backfired.

4. Glenn McGrath (Australia/ICC): 49 Ducks   

Like Walsh, Glenn McGrath was a world-class bowler but a fragile batsman. The Australian pace legend finished his career with 49 ducks.

• Career span: 1993–2007
• Matches: 376
• Innings: 207
• Runs: 761
• Highest score: 61
• Ducks: 49

McGrath’s batting was often a source of entertainment for fans. However, he had a shining moment when he scored 61 against New Zealand in Brisbane. His 563 Test wickets at an average of 21.64 made him the most successful fast bowler in Test history until James Anderson broke the record.

5. Stuart Broad (England): 49 Ducks   

Another fast bowler with an undesirable batting record is Stuart Broad, who took 49 wickets in his career.

• Career span: 2006–2023
• Matches: 344
• Innings: 338
• Runs: 4,309
• Highest score: 169
• Ducks: 49

Unlike Walsh and McGrath, Broad had real batting talent. His career-best innings of 169 against Pakistan at Lord’s in 2010 is one of the best ever by a lower-order batsman. Despite his inconsistencies with his bat, Broad’s legacy lies in his bowling, where he took 604 Test wickets. He retired as one of England’s greatest cricketers.

You might also like: Fab 4 in Cricket 2025: Root, Kohli, Smith & Williamson – Stats & Records

6. Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka/Asia XI): 47 Ducks   

One of Sri Lanka’s greatest stroke players, a batting genius and one of Sri Lanka’s greatest stroke players, Mahela Jayawardene has been dismissed an astonishing 47 times in his career.

• Career span: 1997–2015
• Matches: 652
• Innings: 725
• Runs: 25,957
• Highest score: 374
• Ducks: 47

Jayawardene scored over 25,000 runs in international cricket, including 54 centuries. However, the reason for his duck dismissals is attributed to his long career and the number of innings played. His talent on the field has made him remembered as one of Sri Lanka’s greatest batsmen, not for his ducks.

7. Daniel Vettori (New Zealand/ICC): 46 Ducks   

Former New Zealand captain and left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori lost 46 wickets during his international career.

• Career span: 1997–2015
• Matches: 442
• Innings: 383
• Runs: 6,989
• Highest score: 140
• Ducks: 46

Vettori was one of the best bowling all-rounders in cricket. His batting contributions were often notable, particularly in Tests, where he scored 6 centuries and 27 half-centuries. As a bowler, he is one of New Zealand’s finest, with 362 Test wickets and a reputation as a shrewd leader.

8. James Anderson (England): 45 Ducks   

England’s great fast bowler James Anderson holds the record for most Test wickets. But with the bat, his record is 45 ducks.

• Career span: 2002–2024
• Matches: 401
• Innings: 348
• Runs: 1,627
• Highest score: 81
• Ducks: 45

Even when he has struggled with the bat, Anderson has occasionally performed brilliantly, such as in the Cardiff Test against Australia in 2009. However, his role was clear: to lead England’s attack, not their batting. With 700+ Test wickets, Anderson’s contribution to cricket goes beyond his batting woes.

9. Wasim Akram (Pakistan): 45 Ducks   

One of the greatest fast bowling all-rounders, Wasim Akram took an astonishing 45 wickets.

• Career span: 1984–2003
• Matches: 460
• Innings: 427
• Runs: 6,615
• Highest score: 257*
• Ducks: 45

Unlike many others on this list, Akram actually had batting ability. His 257* against Zimbabwe in 1996 remains the highest score by a No. 8 batsman in Test history. With the ball, Akram’s greatness is undeniable: 916 international wickets and the title of “Sultan of Swing”.

10. Zaheer Khan (India/Asia XI): 44 Ducks   

India’s left-arm fast bowler Zaheer Khan is second on the list with 44 wickets.

• Career span: 2000–2014
• Matches: 309
• Innings: 232
• Runs: 2,036
• Highest score: 75
• Ducks: 44

Zaheer could hold the bat and also play useful cameos, but lacked consistency. His role was mainly to lead India’s bowling attack, where he excelled by taking 311 Test wickets. His 44 wickets highlight his secondary role as a batsman, but his impact on Indian cricket remains memorable.

Conclusion

Cricket is often called a batsman’s game, but even the best players have faced humiliating moments. This list of the highest wicket-takers in cricket history reminds us that failure is as much a part of the game as success.

Ultimately, this record shows the unpredictable nature of cricket. Whether you are a tailender or a top-order batsman, ducks are always lurking, and that is what makes cricket exciting.

FAQs

Q1. Who has taken the most ducks in international cricket history?

Muttiah Muralitharan holds the record of 59 ducks. Despite being one of the greatest spinners in history, his batting was a weakness.

Q2. Do most players have a high duck count?

Yes. Most players who take the most ducks are bowlers or bowling all-rounders. This is because they usually bat lower down the order and face the best bowlers when wickets fall.

Q3. Which specialist batsmen have taken the most ducks?

Sanath Jayasuriya (53) and Mahela Jayawardene (47) are the specialist batsmen who have made it to this list. Their aggressive styles and long careers have contributed to their duck counts.

Q4. Has any bowler who has been given a lot of ducks been a good batsman?

Yes, Wasim Akram and Daniel Vettori have been given a lot of ducks but they have managed to score centuries. Akram’s 257* and Vettori’s 6 Test centuries prove their batting prowess.

Q5. Why are ducks more common in modern cricket?

In an aggressive batting style, especially in T20, players take more risks early in their innings. However, in the longer format, cricketers still get ducks due to the number of innings.

Share Post on: