In cricket terminology, a platinum duck frequently referred to as a royal duck occurs when an opening batter is dismissed on the very first ball of a match or an innings. It represents the absolute most ignominious start possible for a batsman stepping onto the crease.
Yashasvi Jaiswal (India) – Dismissed on the first ball of the match by Australia’s Mitchell Starc in Adelaide (2024).
The match began with dramatic history as Ollie Robinson trapped Azan Awais lbw on the very first ball of the series, making Awais the first Pakistan batsman to suffer a first-ball Test series dismissal. Archie MacLaren (England) – The pioneer of the list, becoming the first player in cricket history to suffer a platinum duck against Australia’s Arthur Coningham in Melbourne (1894). Hannan Sarkar (Bangladesh): Famously dismissed on the first ball of a match three times across 2002 and 2004, remarkably by the exact same bowler—West Indies fast bowler Pedro Collins. Pakistan faced a turbulent opening day in the first Test against England at Headingley, closing at 171 before England responded strongly. Robinson quickly removed Shan Masood as well, leaving the tourists struggling at 6-2 under overcast skies. A nearly two-hour rain delay interrupted the morning session after only 9.4 overs were bowled. Once play resumed, Pakistan managed to push their total to 171 before being restricted. In reply, England navigated 25 overs safely to reach 112 for 2 at Stumps, trailing by 59 runs. Returning Test captain Joe Root anchored the English response with an unbeaten 37 alongside Jordan Cox, who contributed 23, while Robinson finished his initial spell with 2-12. Both teams entered the series seeking to improve poor red-ball form, and Pakistan continues its long quest for a first Test series win on English soil since 1996.
