Who Will Be the First Player to Break Walsh’s Double Record?

[aklemalp]

Courtney Walsh, legendary former West Indian fast bowler, has held on to an impressive double record most ducks (43) and not-outs (61) in the history of test cricket since his retirement 15 years ago.

The aim of this thread is to project the player who will be the first to surpass Walsh in the two categories mentioned above.

Courtney Walsh's most famous not-out (0* off 21 balls), WI versus Australia at Kensinston Oval,1999

Currently, the current player who is closest to those two records is Ishant Sharma of India. With 23 ducks and 38 not-outs, he is on track to get there provided that he plays for another 10 years. His current age is 28 years 95 days. He last played a test match in August, 2016.

James Anderson is an interesting candidate for this record. He’s comfortably set to break the record of most not-outs in history; with 60 not-outs. He could achieve that in the next test match that England will play, which is a few days from today. But in pursuit of the double record, he lags with his number of ducks- 21. At 34 years of age and 121 test matches played, James will have to pull a miracle to register 23 more ducks in his career. It can be done, but realists in the cricketing world will disagree. He’s a fast bowler after all, and we know how delicate it is for them to survive in the modern game.

Anderson’s partner in pace bowling is the next candidate. Stuart Broad, who shares a special batting attribute with James Anderson (both are left-handed batsmen, but bowls with right arm) is far away from Walsh’s not-outs (19) and his duck accumulation is an even 20. His last duck was seven innings ago, versus Pakistan at the Oval. In addition to his 20 ducks, Stuart Broad remained not out on zero only once. Projecting forward, he doesn’t stand a chance to get to Walsh’s record for the same reason that was discussed in Anderson’s case. His current age is 30 years 165 days.

Rangana Herath, resolute and resilient Sri Lankan spinner is next in the hunt for Walsh’s record. In his late 30s (38 years 262 days), Herath can go on playing test cricket for another ten years (In the age of Misbah-dom). His duck to not-out ratio is 18:23. He is not a bunny with the bat, with a test average approaching 15 we can assume that there will be a far greater number of not-outs than ducks. Given Sri Lanka’s ability to fill the void of retiring players, Herath will stand tall with a few more ducks along the way. Walsh need not worry.

South Africa’s Morne Morkel is no stranger to ducks. He is only four behind his country’s highest- Makhaya Ntini with 21 ducks. His not- out game is not that bad as well, slowly trailing his ducks by 2. He may not get to Walsh’s level but he can be his country’s record holder. His lanky framed body will not see many more test matches.

Trent Boult is a number eleven wonder. His tally of 31 not-outs in 63 innings is impressive. He doesn’t like making ducks, with only 10. Boult’s chances of getting to this record are bleak. He is not much of a bunny with the bat either, averaging close to 15, he is not in Walsh’s category as a batsman. Dodgy tail-ender he is. The good thing is that he is only 27 years old and that bodes well for his duck production.

Those mentioned above are the ones who are closest to the double record. Now the projection gets to those who are somewhat new in their respective test careers.

Bangladesh’s Kamrul Islam Rabbi started his test career with three ducks. A very rapid rate of ducks but he is yet to register a not-out. To be fair on him, he’s only played 2 test matches and the potential for catching up with not-outs is high. Judging by his first class records, he is an able batsman with 3 half-centuries to his name along with 17 not-outs. So there’s hope for the almost-25-year-old Rabbi, an illustrious career awaits if he can get work his way in the long term Bangladesh test cricket setup.

Nuwan Pradeep of Sri Lanka is fairly new to test cricket and his output towards the duality of the record is striking. His 15 not-outs and 11 ducks are in a range of turning a few heads. For the record, he’s been left stranded on 0 not out six times- which makes 17 of his 36 innings were scoreless. He knows how to hold on to his wicket; 48 not-outs in first-class cricket. He’s new to the 30-year old club and Sri Lanka will have use for him in the years ahead.

Shannon Gabriel, the West Indian speedster is keeping in check with his ducks to not-outs ratio; currently with 9 ducks to 11 not-outs. One of his finest not-outs was his 20 versus England last year, batting with Devendra Bishoo and featuring in a 10th wicket partnership of 52 runs that frustrated Stokes and co.

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Initially, I thought of setting up a poll, but my mind went against it...Most of the stats came from ESPNCricinfo's statsguru.

To make it more interesting, make your own predictions on who will be the one to get there and break this 15 years and counting record...that is what the thread is asking.

Also, I stumbled upon James Anderson's record when I was checking his profile...he can really be the new record holder for most not-outs after the next test match...I'm excited

[WarWolf]

I doubt anyone can break it.

[aklemalp]

Originally Posted by WarWolf
I doubt anyone can break it.

You're right. These days tail-enders are good with the bat. But still, there is a possibility of this occurring sometime in the future. It's not as difficult as a player finishing his career with an average greater than Bradman's.

[aklemalp]

Anderson ties Walsh's record number of not-outs in tests.

61