Openers should be aggressive if the pitch is suitable for batting, but if it favors pacers, they must be patient and wait for the opportunity to switch gears. Once the top-order gives a strong start, the rest of the batters should capitalize on the momentum to provide an excellent finish to the innings just like what Suryakumar Yadav did for India in the T20s. Unfortunately, not everyone can perform well in ODI cricket and here’s a list of five notable batsmen who have suffered from consecutive ducks in ODIs:
#1 Suryakumar Yadav, India
Suryakumar Yadav is currently ranked number one in ICC’s T20I Rankings for batters. Unfortunately, the right-handed batsman has needed help finding his form in ODI cricket, notching up three consecutive ducks in the recently concluded series against Australia.
#2 Andrew Symonds, Australia
Andrew Symonds, the former Australian all-rounder, recorded a hat-trick of ducks in ODI cricket. On September 21, 2004, he was run out by Michael Vaughan while playing against England and then failed to open his account in two subsequent matches against New Zealand in December 2004, getting out both times to Daniel Vettori.
#3 Shoaib Malik, Pakistan
Shoaib Malik, Pakistan’s all-rounder, achieved a rare feat in ODI cricket as he secured three consecutive ducks in away matches against New Zealand in January 2004.
#4 Mahela Jayawardene, Sri Lanka
The Sri Lankan batting great Mahela Jayawardene was shocked to find himself without a single run on the board in three straight matches against Zimbabwe in one-day internationals. Although Zimbabwe is not one of the best ODI sides, in 2008/09, they made sure Jayawardene couldn’t open his account.
#5 Salman Butt, Pakistan
In January 2010, Salman Butt – the former Pakistan skipper – failed to make any runs in two straight matches in an away series against Australia. The Ryan Harris-led attack got rid of him for a duck in both ODIs at Perth. He then went on to complete a hat-trick of ducks in ODI cricket, losing his wicket to Lasith Malinga.
