Contribution Of Wicketkeepers To Cricket

The wicketkeeper is an inseparable part of a cricket team. Their contribution plays an important part in deciding the fate of the match. A quick stumping or a run out can change the game in favor of them quickly. A wicketkeeper usually has an all round eye on the entire game and develops a great game sense due to his/her position on the field. Apart from behind the stumps skills, a wicketkeeper is generally a good batsman. You can get a custom made bat which is specifically made for you according to your batting style and requirements. Custom made bats help in significantly improving a batter’s game.   

The ultimate aim of the wicketkeeper is to stop the balls thrown by the bowler. He is the only member of the team who is allowed to wear protective equipment like gloves and external leg guards. Major tasks of the wicketkeeper – 

 Affecting dismissal

 Stumping: When a batsman leaves his crease to hit the ball but misses it, the wicket keeper catches the ball and can dismiss the player by stumping him out. 

 Run-out: Wicketkeeper can run out the batsman while he is outside the crease and in the process of making runs. 

 Catching: Catching the ball nicked by the batsmen before touching the ground is another major task of the wicketkeeper. 

 Other Roles

 Helps in setting the field – A wicketkeeper sets himself in a unique position. He sees the field the same way the batsman sees it. The captain of the team often assigns the task of analyzing the field to the wicketkeeper as he is always near the batsman. 

 Helps in review decisions – When the fielding team feels the need for the review system, the captain of the fielding team first consults the wicketkeeper as he stands close to the stump. So, he is believed to deliver the prudent judgment of whether the team should go for the review system or not. 

 Why do fielders throw balls to the wicketkeepers?

 The most common reason for this, as discussed above, is – he is the only player allowed to wear gloves. And it is safer to throw the ball towards him as the chances of missing the catch are generally lower. Moreover, a wicketkeeper is trained to catch the balls even regardless of the difficulty level of the throw. Usually a throw to the wicketkeeper has a higher chance of getting run out than throwing it to the bowler end. A wicketkeeper generally has to catch very high speed deliveries, therefore it is advisable to buy cricket wicket keeping kit of the top quality. Investing in a premium wicketkeeping kit can reduce the chance of injuries and help you remain in the team longer.

 Wicketkeeper position – The position of the wicketkeeper can effectively control the batsman’s behavior. The wicketkeeper is allowed to change his position with the consent of the captain according to the bowler and ball. But the movement is restricted to only a few steps in any direction. Note that once the bowler delivers the ball, the wicketkeeper is bound to stick to the position, and he can’t change it. Few exceptions to this rule are – 

 He is allowed to move a little ahead if the delivery of the ball is slow. 

He can analyze the batsman’s action and make himself ready for the ball accordingly. 

 Let’s recap

 The wicketkeeper is no wonder the pillar of the fielding team. Apart from his batting contribution, his diligent actions on the field are important to make the team win.

 

Leave a Comment