wicketkeeper

A wicketkeeper, or keeper, is a specialized fielder in cricket who stands behind the wickets at the striker’s end. They are the only player on the fielding side permitted to wear gloves and protective leg guards while active behind the stumps. The keeper’s primary duties are to collect balls that pass the batsman, to take catches off edges, to effect stumpings when the batsman leaves the crease, and to coordinate with bowlers on dismissals and field placements.

Key skills include quick reflexes, sharp hand-eye coordination, safe catching technique, and strong sprinting and lateral movement. The keeper must read the bowler’s pace, line and length, anticipate shots, and communicate with the fielding unit. They also serve as a primary on-field communicator, directing field changes and supporting the umpire’s decisions in tight situations.

Positioning varies by format and situation. In Test cricket, keepers may stand up to the stumps to deter faster bowlers or back to the stumps to cover short deliveries. In limited-overs cricket, many keepers stand closer for quicker relays and more opportunities for catches, depending on strategy and bowler type. A keeper who bats well is often described as a keeper-batsman and may bat higher in the order.

Equipment comprises wicketkeeping gloves with reinforced pockets and webbing, leg guards, and typically a padded jacket and helmet when appropriate. The gloves are designed to accept deflections and secure catches behind the stumps.

Notable wicketkeepers include Adam Gilchrist, MS Dhoni, Mark Boucher, Ian Healy, and Alyssa Healy. Across formats, a keeper’s performance is reflected in dismissals (catches and stumpings) and, when able, contributions with the bat.