A "royal duck" in cricket is when a batter is dismissed on the very first ball they face in the entire match, specifically in the first innings.
Essentially, it's a platinum duck (being out on the first ball) with the added sting of it happening at the very start of the game. It's considered particularly unfortunate due to the immense pressure of the occasion.
Here's a breakdown:
- Duck: A score of zero runs.
- Platinum Duck: Dismissed on the very first ball faced.
- Royal Duck: Dismissed on the very first ball faced in the entire match, in the first innings.
It's important to note the distinction: being out on the first ball faced of an innings isn't necessarily a royal duck if it isn't the first innings of the match.
