Cricket is a game of uncertainties. Even the greatest players can be dismissed for a duck, yet some ducks become unforgettable. Today marks the record of one such extraordinary duck, set by New Zealand’s Jeff Allott.
The 77-Ball Duck
In a match between South Africa and New Zealand in Auckland, New Zealand were 320/9 when Jeff Allott walked in at number 11. Chris Harris, batting at the other end, remained unbeaten. While Harris scored runs, Allott faced 77 balls without scoring, spending a staggering 101 minutes at the crease. This remains the longest duck in terms of balls faced and time spent at the crease in cricket history.
Other Notable Ducks
England’s James Anderson ranks second, having spent 81 minutes and faced 55 balls without scoring against Sri Lanka in 2014. England’s Richard Ellison and Peter Such also batted over 50 balls without scoring in their careers.
Birthday of Jeff Allott
Jeff Allott, the left-arm fast bowler, celebrates his 54th birthday today. He made his New Zealand debut in 1996 and went on to play 10 Tests and 31 ODIs, taking 71 wickets. Allott was the leading wicket-taker for New Zealand in the 1999 World Cup and was part of the 2000 Champions Trophy-winning team. He also played in the 1998 Commonwealth Games, where New Zealand won the bronze medal in cricket. Unfortunately, injuries limited his career, and he retired from professional cricket at the age of 30 in 2001.
This remarkable and unusual record ensures that Jeff Allott’s name remains etched in cricket history—not for runs scored, but for patience, perseverance, and one of the most extraordinary ducks ever.
Discover more from SD NEWS agency
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.