The Art of Wicket Keeping

The Art of Wicket Keeping

Wicket keeping is one of the most difficult jobs in cricket and requires immense skill, stamina and concentration. It is an art that can only be understood by the keeper himself. It is a role that is always under appreciated by the players, viewers and media alike. It is a responsibility that has devastating repercussions if not performed to the high level required. Yet all that have held the precious spot in their sides have loved every minute.

Boucher diving to his left

The wicket keeper is the only person on the field that expects to receive every ball. Crouching down, then up, every single ball. The eyes are fixated on the ball, and the mind ignores any distracting movements made by the batsman. The hands need to be soft. The body needs to perfectly positioned. The head needs to be still and over the ball. The footwork needs to be assertive, and the concentration needs to be unparalleled.

A fluent keeper makes his art look deceptively easy and almost a formality. The relaxed banter between balls suggests a lack of effort but it is merely a mechanism to switch off when concentration is not required. Batsmen do something similar in between balls when they have a chat or do some gardening on the pitch.

Spinners pose yet another challenge to wicket keeping, but the graceful way in which a good keeper can handle this is admirable. The quick shuffle to take the ball down leg side (purely by feel because the keeper is momentarily blind sighted) and whip the bails off is a beautiful talent. Made to look easy, but it hardly is. And if all this wasn’t enough, the poor wicket keeper is expected to make a significant contribution with the bat after a hard day’s work.

Below is a great masterclass by a wicket keeping genius, Ian Healy