The batting record that isn't

Geoff Allot was a mighty fine left-arm swing bowler, but he owns a strange world record.

The former New Zealander holds the record for the longest time taken to score a duck in first class cricket – 77 balls and 101 minutes against South Africa in 1999.

After Darryl Cullinan's 275 took South Africa to 621, the Kiwis were a were a wicket away from a 300-run deficit when last-man Allot joined Chris Harris.

The two batted a little over 27 overs for 32 runs. The Wisden Almanac noted:

"It was the best duck I'll ever make" said Allott. The sparse crowd gave more generous applause to his non-batting than to Cullinan's patient accumulation.

Allot's career was cut short by injuries. He finished with 102 First Class wickets, and a mere 105 runs.

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