Top 10 Players with Most Golden Ducks in Test Cricket History

Most Golden Ducks in Test

Test cricket is the ultimate format where players are tested to the fullest. While some legends are remembered for their […]

Test cricket is the ultimate format where players are tested to the fullest. While some legends are remembered for their runs or wickets, there are also those who hold unusual records with the bat. One such record is having the Most Golden Ducks in Test matches. A golden duck means getting out on the very first ball, and even the biggest names in cricket have suffered it.

Let us take a look at the top 10 players with the Most Golden Ducks in Test history, counting down from number 10 to 1.

List of Top 10 Players with Most Golden Ducks in Test Cricket History

10. Makhaya Ntini

Most Golden Ducks in Test

Makhaya Ntini was a trailblazer for South African cricket, remembered as the first black African player to become a national hero. His sheer dedication and never-give-up spirit made him one of the most admired fast bowlers of his era. Ntini could bowl tirelessly for long spells and produced match-winning performances, especially in home conditions. However, when it came to batting, his role was purely as a tailender.

Despite his impact with the ball, Ntini struggled heavily with the bat. He ended his career with 8 golden ducks, which puts him among the names with the Most Golden Ducks in Test cricket. Even though his batting numbers don’t shine, his contribution as a bowler remains priceless for South Africa’s cricketing legacy.

PlayerCountryMatchesRunsHSDucksGolden Ducks
Makhaya NtiniSouth Africa10169932*218

9. Morne Morkel

Most Golden Ducks in Test

Morne Morkel was one of the most reliable fast bowlers in South Africa’s pace attack. Standing tall with his intimidating bounce, Morkel troubled some of the best batsmen in the world. His partnership with Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander created nightmares for opposition batting line-ups. However, while he made headlines with the ball, his batting was always a weak link.

As a tailender, Morkel often had to face hostile fast bowling at the end of innings, and this reflected in his record. He was dismissed for 8 golden ducks, ranking him in the group of players with the Most Golden Ducks in Test history. His runs were minimal, but his ability to deliver with the ball made him one of South Africa’s finest bowlers.

PlayerCountryMatchesRunsHSDucksGolden Ducks
Morne MorkelSouth Africa8694440228

8. Shannon Gabriel

Most Golden Ducks in Test

Shannon Gabriel is known for his raw pace and aggression, leading the West Indian fast-bowling unit in modern times. With his ability to generate speed and bounce, Gabriel has taken many key wickets in Test cricket. However, as a batsman, he is considered one of the weakest, and his records reflect that clearly.

Gabriel has registered 9 golden ducks in his Test career, making him a prominent name among those with the Most Golden Ducks in Test history. While fans admired his fast bowling spells, his batting contributions were almost negligible. His numbers may not impress with the bat, but his presence as a fast bowler has been crucial in keeping the West Indies competitive in challenging conditions.

PlayerCountryMatchesRunsHSDucksGolden Ducks
Shannon GabrielWest Indies5922920*239

7. Chris Martin

Most Golden Ducks in Test

Chris Martin is often remembered as one of the weakest batsmen to ever play Test cricket. His bowling gave New Zealand many crucial breakthroughs, but his batting became infamous across the cricketing world. Opponents often joked about his batting ability, and unfortunately, his numbers lived up to that reputation.

With a batting average of just 2.37, Martin’s struggles are legendary. He ended his career with 9 golden ducks, placing him among the players with the Most Golden Ducks in Test cricket. While his batting was a weakness, New Zealand always valued him for his consistent bowling. His dedication to the game ensured that despite the batting failures, his contributions as a bowler were never questioned.

PlayerCountryMatchesRunsHSDucksGolden Ducks
Chris MartinNew Zealand7112312*369

6. James Anderson

Most Golden Ducks in Test

James Anderson is widely regarded as the greatest fast bowler in Test history. With his ability to swing the ball both ways, he has dismissed some of the best batsmen in the world. Anderson’s legacy will always be his massive wicket tally, but his batting tells a completely different story.

At the tail end, Anderson often faced brutal fast bowling, and his batting numbers are modest. He has recorded 9 golden ducks, which makes him part of the list of Most Golden Ducks in Test cricket. Despite his batting struggles, Anderson’s longevity and success with the ball make him a once-in-a-generation cricketer. His contribution to England’s cricket remains unmatched.

PlayerCountryMatchesRunsHSDucksGolden Ducks
James AndersonEngland188135381349

5. Steve Harmison

Most Golden Ducks in Test

Steve Harmison was a key figure in England’s bowling attack during the mid-2000s. Known for his height and bounce, he could dismantle batting line-ups when in rhythm. Harmison played a central role in England’s famous 2005 Ashes victory, where his bowling was instrumental in regaining the urn after years.

However, his batting was a major weakness. Harmison ended up with 9 golden ducks, which put him among the players with the Most Golden Ducks in Test cricket. His batting failures aside, his bowling brilliance ensured he remains remembered as one of England’s great match-winners.

PlayerCountryMatchesRunsHSDucksGolden Ducks
Steve HarmisonEngland6374349*219

4. Stuart Broad

Most Golden Ducks in Test

Stuart Broad is celebrated as one of England’s greatest fast bowlers. His ability to swing the ball and his fiery spells made him a nightmare for batsmen. With the bat, Broad even scored a memorable Test century, showing flashes of batting ability. Yet, consistency at the crease was never his strength.

Broad’s record includes 10 golden ducks, which ranks him among the players with the Most Golden Ducks in Test cricket. While he could occasionally shine with the bat, his frequent failures at the crease often overshadowed those moments. Still, his role in England’s bowling attack will always define his greatness more than his batting struggles.

PlayerCountryMatchesRunsHSDucksGolden Ducks
Stuart BroadEngland16736621693910

3. Courtney Walsh

Most Golden Ducks in Test

Courtney Walsh was one of the fiercest fast bowlers of the 1980s and 1990s. He formed a deadly partnership with Curtly Ambrose and destroyed batting line-ups across the globe. Walsh’s bowling made him a legend, but his batting was a complete contrast to his excellence with the ball.

Walsh holds the record for most ducks in Test cricket overall and also has 10 golden ducks, cementing his place in the Most Golden Ducks in Test list. His batting average of just 7.55 reflects his struggles at the crease. Despite his batting weaknesses, Walsh’s bowling record ensures he is remembered as one of the greatest West Indian pacers ever.

PlayerCountryMatchesRunsHSDucksGolden Ducks
Courtney WalshWest Indies13293630*4310

2. Rangana Herath

Most Golden Ducks in Test

Rangana Herath carried Sri Lanka’s spin attack after Muralitharan’s retirement and became one of the most successful left-arm spinners in Test history. His bowling won Sri Lanka countless matches at home and abroad. However, his batting never matched his bowling brilliance.

Herath ended his career with 11 golden ducks, making him second on the list of players with the Most Golden Ducks in Test cricket. Though his batting was fragile, his bowling ensured Sri Lanka always had a match-winner. His name will always be associated with consistency and brilliance as a bowler.

PlayerCountryMatchesRunsHSDucksGolden Ducks
Rangana HerathSri Lanka93169980*2311

1. Muttiah Muralitharan

Most Golden Ducks in Test

Muttiah Muralitharan is celebrated as the greatest spinner in cricket history. With 800 Test wickets, his name stands tall in the record books. However, despite his brilliance with the ball, Murali struggled as a batsman throughout his career. He often faced fiery fast bowlers as a tailender and became vulnerable at the crease.

Muralitharan holds the record for the Most Golden Ducks in Test history with 14 golden ducks. While his batting numbers may not inspire, his unmatched bowling brilliance overshadows everything. Murali’s name in this list is proof that even the greatest legends can have weaknesses, but his overall contribution makes him one of cricket’s all-time icons.

PlayerCountryMatchesRunsHSDucksGolden Ducks
Muttiah MuralitharanSri Lanka1331261673314

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FAQ

Q1. Who has the most golden ducks in Test cricket?

Muttiah Muralitharan holds the record with 14 golden ducks in his career.

Q2. Which team has the most players with golden ducks in Tests?

Sri Lanka and England dominate this list, with multiple players such as Muralitharan, Herath, Broad, and Anderson.

Q3. Is Chris Martin the worst batsman in Test history?

Statistically, yes. With a batting average of just 2.37 and 9 golden ducks, he is considered one of the weakest batsmen ever.

Q4. Do golden ducks affect a player’s legacy?

Not at all. Most of the players on this list are legendary bowlers who are remembered for their bowling brilliance, not batting struggles.

Q5. Which current player is most likely to increase his golden duck tally?

James Anderson and Stuart Broad (before retirement) were among the most likely, as they frequently batted at the tail.

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