England's cricket team, led by Ben Stokes, has adopted a peculiar superstition for the current Ashes tour in Australia, reportedly banning the consumption of duck from their diets in a bid to avoid scoring ducks on the pitch.
The Origin of the Feathered Fear
The superstitious practice stems from a traumatic start to the last Ashes series Down Under in 2021. The very first ball of that series saw Mitchell Starc bowl out former England opener Rory Burns for a golden duck, setting a disastrous tone for the tourists.
This event triggered a cascade of poor form, with the England team going on to set an unwanted yearly record of 54 ducks in 2021. Many of these dismissals occurred during their 4-0 Ashes series defeat, cementing the association between the food and failure in the players' minds.
More Than Just Duck on the Ban List
According to wicketkeeper Jos Buttler, who played during the difficult 2021 series, the team's food-related superstitions extend beyond poultry. Players also actively avoid other foods that resemble the number zero, fearing it symbolizes a score of nothing.
Buttler revealed on the Love Cricket podcast that onion rings and Polo mints are also off the menu for many squad members due to their circular, zero-like shape. This insight came during a conversation with former England bowler Stuart Broad, who questioned the batters' and bowlers' habits.
A Personal Superstition is Born
Buttler shared a personal anecdote that turned him into a believer. Initially not superstitious, he decided to eat duck at Lord's despite warnings. The decision led to an hour of anxiety about getting a duck during the game.
He recounted: "I got off the mark and then got out the next ball, I think just from the pure relief. From then on, I was never having duck again." This experience solidified the superstition for him and many of his teammates, including batsmen like Joe Root, Ben Duckett, and Harry Brook, who are now all steering clear of the dish.
With the first Test in Perth starting on Friday, and England hoping to win a series in Australia for the first time since 2011, the team is leaving nothing to chance. After the enthralling 2-2 draw in England in 2023, every possible mental edge is being sought, even if it means forgoing a menu favourite.
