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Batting  Bowling  Fielding  Wicket-Keeping
Gear | Standing Back | Standing Up

Wicket Keeping Gear
[Description of Wicket Keeping Gear - Video]

Gloves:

  • The glove chosen by a keeper has to feel like the natural extension of the arm. The rubber facing should be pimpled and should not have any smooth spots. The fingers must reach the end of the glove, which is usually protected with foam padding.

  • The palm should be well padded and at the same time, allow the formation of the `cup' quite easily. The webbing between the thumb and forefinger must be sufficient to prevent the ball from escaping after it has been caught.

  • Depending on personal preference, gloves with loose floppy fingers or with the fingers attached at the base, can be used.

  • Inner gloves are recommended to be worn and the number again depends on the keeper's comfort. Generally one pair of inner gloves made of chamois leather with some padding will be ideal.

  • Earlier keepers used to wet the inner glove (which was generally made of cotton) but now its better to take a few catches before going in to keep, as this facilitates sweating and makes it supple and flexible. Pads:

Pads & Other Gear:

  • The pads worn are generally the ones with the top flaps shortened and held by only two straps. Care should be taken to see that the knee roll is sufficiently padded to prevent injury while gathering low balls rolling on the ground. The pads should preferably be light with extra foam padding at the shin, as this is the place the ball strikes most often if it is missed.

  • An abdomen guard must be worn inside the pouch of the supporter (jock straps) at all times and its position must be checked and adjusted if necessary before every ball.

  • On bouncy turning pitches, when you have to keep up to the spinners, it is advisable to wear a helmet with a visor to increase your confidence in getting behind the line of the ball to gather it. At all others times a cap or hat is a must to keep away the sun and help concentrate on the action.

  • A good pair of shoes is also very essential. Generally good rubber spiked shoes will suffice quite nicely, though if the conditions are damp and slippery, it is recommended to use half spike shoes. The metal spikes in front will give you the grip to move or dive when standing back to fast bowlers.