Pair and King Pair
Also known as: king pair, golden pair, bagging a pair, a pair in cricket, pair of ducks, pair of spectacles
A pair is getting out for nought in both innings of a two-innings match, such as a Test. A king pair, also called a golden pair, is out first ball for nought in both innings. Both are two ducks in one match, so you only hear of them in formats where each side bats twice.
A duck is a score of zero. A golden duck is out first ball. A pair joins two ducks from the same match. The old name 'pair of spectacles' comes from the two zeros looking like a pair of glasses.
You cannot get a pair in a one-innings game, because you only bat once. So the term belongs to Test cricket, first-class cricket and two-innings club or school matches.
Every good batter gets low scores. A pair feels harsh, but it is two balls or two short stays, not a verdict on your game. Review the two dismissals calmly. Then decide whether there is a real pattern to fix or just bad luck.
Tips by skill level
Before your second innings, plan your first five balls. Aim to watch and defend before you look for runs.
If the two dismissals look alike, film your next net session. A repeated mode of dismissal is worth fixing, but one match is a small sample.
Example
A batter is bowled first ball in the first innings, then caught first ball in the second. The scorebook shows a king pair.
Why it matters
Knowing the term helps you follow scorecards and commentary. Knowing how to respond helps you bounce back from a hard match.
Common mistakes
- Calling one duck a pair
- Changing your whole technique after one bad match
- Playing a wild shot to get off the mark in the second innings
- Letting the first duck affect your second innings
Frequently asked questions
What is a king pair in cricket?
A king pair is being out first ball for zero in both innings of the same match. It is also called a golden pair.
What does bagging a pair mean?
It means scoring zero in both innings of a two-innings match. It does not have to be first ball each time.
Sources
Related terms
- Golden DuckA golden duck is when a batter is dismissed for zero runs on the very first ball they face in an innings — the most emphatic possible batting failure.
- Test CricketTest cricket is the oldest, longest, and most prestigious format of the sport — played over up to five days between two national teams, with each side receiving two innings and ten wickets to be dismissed.
- Getting Out of a Batting SlumpTo get out of a batting slump, first look at how you have been getting out. A repeated dismissal points to one technical fix. A mix of good balls and bad luck often just needs patience. Go back to basics, bat for time in the nets and judge yourself on balls faced, not runs, until confidence returns.
- Nerves Before BattingFeeling nervous before you bat is normal, and a little helps you stay sharp. Get padded up early, watch the bowlers and plan your first few balls. Take slow breaths with a long out-breath. Then focus only on watching the next ball. The aim is to manage nerves, not to get rid of them.
- Ways to Be Out in CricketThe Laws of Cricket list nine ways to be out. They are bowled, caught, hit the ball twice, hit wicket, LBW, obstructing the field, run out, stumped and timed out. A batter can also be recorded as 'retired out'. Off a no ball, only hit the ball twice, obstructing the field and run out apply.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.