Wicket-Keeping Basics

The wicket-keeper touches the ball more than anyone else in the team. Good keeping is quiet, consistent work rather than spectacular diving.

The stance

Crouch with your feet shoulder-width apart, weight on the balls of your feet, gloves resting on the ground in front of you. Stay low until the ball passes the stumps — rising early is the main cause of missed takes.

Standing back or up

Stand back to fast bowling so you have time to react. Stand up to the stumps for spin and slow bowling, where being close lets you take stumping chances.

Taking the ball

Watch the ball from the bowler’s hand all the way into the gloves. Take it with soft hands, letting your arms give with the pace. Move your feet to get behind the line rather than reaching sideways.

Stumpings and run-outs

For a stumping, take the ball first and break the stumps second. Rushing the two into one movement is how the ball gets fumbled. For a run-out, take the throw beside the stumps, not in front of them.

Equipment

• Gloves that fit closely, with inners underneath.
• Pads shorter and lighter than a batter’s.
• A helmet when standing up to the stumps.

Keeping is tiring over a long innings. Concentration between deliveries matters as much as technique.