Cricket is filled with unique terms and unusual dismissals, but few are as rare as the diamond duck in cricket. Fans often hear about golden ducks or platinum ducks, but a diamond duck is even more uncommon. It leaves batters embarrassed because they get out without facing a single ball.
In this blog, we will explain what a diamond duck is, how often it happens, and share famous examples from cricket history. You will also see why this dismissal is one of the strangest and rarest in the game.
What Is a Diamond Duck in Cricket?
A diamond duck in cricket occurs when a batter is dismissed without facing a single delivery. Unlike a golden duck, where a batter gets out on the very first ball they face, a diamond duck happens before they even take strike.
This usually occurs in cases such as:
- A batter being run out before facing a ball
- A batter being timed out without taking strike
Difference Between Diamond Duck, Golden Duck, and Platinum Duck
- Golden Duck: Out on the first ball faced
- Platinum Duck: Out on the very first ball of the innings
- Diamond Duck: Out without facing a ball at all
Each is embarrassing, but the diamond duck feels especially unlucky because the batter never gets a chance to play a shot.
How Rare Is a Diamond Duck in Cricket?
A diamond duck is one of the rarest dismissals because:
- It requires specific circumstances like run-outs or timed outs
- Most batters at least face one ball before dismissal
- It is far less common compared to golden ducks
In international cricket, only a few diamond duck incidents have been recorded. The rarity makes it a talking point whenever it happens.
Famous Diamond Duck Examples in Cricket
1. Marvan Atapattu – Sri Lanka
Known for both great innings and unlucky dismissals, Atapattu once suffered a diamond duck early in his international career.
2. Inzamam-ul-Haq – Pakistan
The legendary Pakistan batter was once run out for a diamond duck, showcasing how even the best can face such moments.
3. Kurtis Patterson – Australia
In domestic cricket, Patterson faced a diamond duck in unusual circumstances after a mix-up in running.
4. Women’s Cricket Examples
Diamond ducks have also been seen in women’s cricket, proving that this rare dismissal spares no format or gender.
Statistical Records: Diamond Duck Occurrences
- Golden ducks are far more common, with hundreds recorded in international cricket.
- Diamond ducks, however, remain a rarity with fewer than 50 recorded instances in top-level men’s cricket.
- They happen more often in shorter formats like T20s due to run-out pressure.
Why Are Diamond Ducks Embarrassing?
- The batter does not even get a chance to prove themselves.
- It often comes from a mistake in communication or poor judgment.
- Fans and media highlight it because of its unusual nature.
Rarity Across Formats
Test Cricket
Diamond ducks are extremely rare in Tests because players usually take time to settle in. However, a few cases exist when batters were run out after confusion.
One-Day Internationals (ODIs)
Happen occasionally when chasing targets and run-outs are more likely.
T20 Cricket
Most common in this format due to the fast pace, risky runs, and pressure situations.
Fun Facts About Diamond Ducks
- A batter can be dismissed for a diamond duck without the bowler delivering a ball.
- It is one of the only dismissals in cricket that depends on running or timing rules.
- Some fans jokingly call it the “most unlucky duck.”
FAQs
1. What is a diamond duck in cricket?
It is when a batter is dismissed without facing a single ball.
2. How is a diamond duck different from a golden duck?
Golden duck: dismissed on the first ball faced. Diamond duck: dismissed without facing a ball.
3. Can a bowler get credit for a diamond duck?
Usually no, unless it’s a timed out dismissal. Most diamond ducks are run outs.
4. Is a diamond duck rare?
Yes, it is one of the rarest dismissals in cricket.
5. What is a platinum duck in cricket?
Dismissal on the very first ball of the innings.
6. Has any famous player had a diamond duck?
Yes, legends like Inzamam-ul-Haq and Marvan Atapattu.
7. Can a diamond duck happen in T20 cricket?
Yes, and it is slightly more common due to run-out pressure.
8. Is a diamond duck worse than a golden duck?
Fans consider it more embarrassing because the batter never gets to face a ball.
9. How often do diamond ducks occur?
Very rarely compared to golden ducks. Only a handful in international cricket.
10. Can diamond ducks happen in women’s cricket?
Yes, and they have been recorded in women’s matches as well.
Conclusion
The diamond duck in cricket is one of the rarest dismissals. Unlike a golden duck, it leaves the batter out without even facing a ball. While embarrassing, it also makes cricket unique, filled with unpredictable moments.
From Atapattu to Inzamam, even greats have faced the misfortune of a diamond duck. These moments remind us that cricket is a game where anything can happen—even the rarest dismissals.
For more clarity on cricket stats like strike rates, run rates, or net run rates, you can use Cricket Calculators to simplify the numbers and improve your understanding of the game.
