6 batsmen who got out hit-wicket for a golden duck in Test cricket

Modified Oct 09, 2018 20:21 IST

Since the dawn of Test cricket in 1877, it holds many unique records when compared with the other 2 formats of the game.

In the longest format, we have seen records being created and broken by various eminent cricketers. From Muralitharan's 800 wickets to Sachin Tendulkar's 15921 runs, the cricket community has seen so many historical landmarks in Test cricket.

On the contrary, getting out for a golden duck or getting out hit-wicket is a weird record which a player would never dream for. To worse it out, what we are about to witness is a bizarre record, unfortunately, created by certain batsmen, the nature of which we have no idea of.

#6 Imtiaz Ahmed, Pakistan v England (1962)

Imtiaz Ahmed (First from left on the bench)

The former Pakistani captain became the first cricketer in the world to get out hit-wicket for a golden duck.

In the 2nd Test against England, the right-handed batsman came out to bat when his team was struggling at 158-4 in the 2nd innings. Being on a pair (duck out in 1st innings), Imtiaz looked for a reversal of fortune against the off-break bowler, David Allen who scalped him in 1st innings.

Unfortunately, Imtiaz got out in the first ball and became the first player to get out in such fashion. He is also the first wicket-keeper to score a double century in Test cricket.

#5 Vijay Manjrekar, India v West Indies (1962)

The classy right-handed batsman is the father of former cricketer and current famous commentator, Sanjay Manjrekar. Vijay was one of the pillars of Indian batting line-up during 1960's.

The bizarre dismissal happened when the Indian team was facing a fiery spell from Wesley Hall during the 1st Test of India's tour of West Indies.

Trailing by 86 runs in the 2nd innings, the Indian team was bundled out for a paltry score of 98, courtesy to Hall's opening spell which included the hit-wicket of Vijay.

#4 Mike Procter, South Africa v Australia (1967)

Paul Allott (left) talks to award winner Mike Procter

The highly talented all-rounder played only 7 test matches in his entire career due to South Africa's isolation from international cricket during the 1970s.

During the 5th Test of South Africa's penultimate series (before ban) against Australia in 1967, Mike was stranded by a deadly bouncer from the Aussie, Graham McKenzie which led to his weird dismissal.

Before the International ban, Mike was elected as Wisden cricketer of the year in 1970. Though his international career was banished, he continued to impress the world with his performance for Gloucestershire in County cricket.

#3 Vanburn Holder, West Indies v India (1975)

Vanburn Holder during his stint with Worcestershire

The Barbadian fast bowler played in 40 Tests for West Indies during 1970's. Though initially, he played as an all-rounder, Holder concentrated more on his bowling to become a proper fast bowler.

In the 4th Test of West Indies tour of India in 1975, Vanburn was back-footed by the famous left-arm spinner Bishan Singh Bedi which lead to his hit-wicket dismissal.

Vanburn struggled to hold his place in the team throughout his career and eventually lost it to young pacers. Though he couldn't continue as an international cricketer, he worked hard to become an international umpire for certain years.

#2 Deryck Murray, West Indies v England (1980)

Deryck Murray- West Indies wicket-keeper during 1975 and 1979 World Cup

Deryck Murray was the wicket-keeper for the famous West Indies bowling line-up (Michael Holding, Colin Croft, Malcolm Marshall and Andy Roberts). Having played for 62 Test matches, he scored 1993 runs in his career with 11 fifties.

During the West Indies tour of England in 1980, Deryck was dismissed for a golden duck by Graham Dilley in the 4th Test.

Deryck was the vice-captain of the successful West Indies side during 1975 and 1979 World Cup.

#1 Sunil Ambris, West Indies v New Zealand (2017)

New Zealand v West Indies - 1st Test: Day 1

The right-handed batsman from Saint Vincent holds some of the bizarre records in the world. During the West Indies tour of New Zealand, Sunil became the first cricketer to be dismissed hit-wicket for a golden duck on debut.

Facing a ravishing spell from Neil Wagner, Sunil was rattled by Wagner's pace and eventually got out hit-wicket on debut. In the 2nd Test of the same series, he became the only cricketer to be dismissed hit-wicket on consecutive Test matches.

Sunil recovered from the horror start to his career and has become a vital part of the West Indies side.