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A thankless job in Cricket and arguably the most difficult.
With fast bowling becoming the order of international cricket the vision of a keeper is one, standing back lunging and diving to collect these balls traveling at high speed. However, a great keeper is one who is equally efficient standing close to the stumps to the spinners.
Of course the stance of a keeper becomes the most important area of the art of keeping. Like with batting a wicket keeper stance should be well balanced. Weight comfortably distributed on both feet. Gloves resting on the ground as shown in Pic. When standing back, it is extremely important, you do not stand too close or too far back because a wicket keeper influences the position of the slip fielders as well. Stand at a distance at a point when the ball just starts to drop on you.
Position yourself around the off stump so you have a clear view of the ball coming at you from the bowler’s hand. Anticipation is the key. Try and pick the line of the delivery as early as possible.
When standing up to the stumps, make a semi circle (in your mind) behind the wickets as your working space. Always stay close enough so that you are ready to whip the bails off for a quick stumping.
A wicket keeper is always in the firing line and is never injury free for long. Kiran More the Indian keeper we know for a fact has kept wickets with fractures in his fingers. He may not be the only one. To reduce the risk of injury, never point your fingers at the ball. To reduce the risk of jarring try and receive the ball. Never snatch!
One important thing to concentrate on is, do not rise from your stance too early. Assume every delivery is coming at you even on the flattest of pitches its not easy but that is the test of a keeper, to concentrate hard for long periods of time.
Be alert for a possibility of a run out at all times. It is your responsibility to come up to the stumps whenever necessary.
Remember a good wicket keeper can have a great effect on the team. It has also become the job of a keeper to encourage the bowler and to advise the captain from time to time, because keeper is in the best position to study the game.
Yes, it is a difficult job in cricket but it can also be a very satisfying one.
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