On a cricket field, the wicket-keeper is almost always the busiest fielder. This discrepancy is even more pronounced in Test cricket, where many of the deliveries bowled are left alone. With the aid of their gloves, keepers take first priority when it comes to any catches in their vicinity, and are also able to take some jumping blinders that other fielders may not be able to latch on to with their bare hands.
That being said, some keepers are definitely better at holding on to golden opportunities, and this is a list of those who had the most success in this regard over the course of their illustrious careers.
List of 10 Wicket-Keepers with the most catches in Tests
| Player | Span | Mat | Inns | Dis | Ct | St | Max Dis Inns | Dis/Inn |
| MV Boucher (ICC/SA) | 1997-2012 | 147 | 281 | 555 | 532 | 23 | 6 (6ct 0st) | 1.975 |
| AC Gilchrist (AUS) | 1999-2008 | 96 | 191 | 416 | 379 | 37 | 5 (5ct 0st) | 2.178 |
| IA Healy (AUS) | 1988-1999 | 119 | 224 | 395 | 366 | 29 | 6 (6ct 0st) | 1.763 |
| RW Marsh (AUS) | 1970-1984 | 96 | 182 | 355 | 343 | 12 | 6 (6ct 0st) | 1.950 |
| PJL Dujon (WI) | 1981-1991 | 81 | 150 | 270 | 265 | 5 | 5 (5ct 0st) | 1.800 |
| BJ Haddin (AUS) | 2008-2015 | 66 | 128 | 270 | 262 | 8 | 6 (6ct 0st) | 2.109 |
| BJ Watling (NZ) | 2009-2021 | 75 | 127 | 265 | 257 | 8 | 6 (6ct 0st) | 2.086 |
| MS Dhoni (INDIA) | 2005-2014 | 90 | 166 | 294 | 256 | 38 | 6 (6ct 0st) | 1.771 |
| APE Knott (ENG) | 1967-1981 | 95 | 174 | 269 | 250 | 19 | 5 (4ct 1st) | 1.545 |
| MJ Prior (ENG) | 2007-2014 | 79 | 146 | 256 | 243 | 13 | 6 (6ct 0st) | 1.753 |
1. MarContents
1. Mark Boucher (South Africa)
the number one spot is one of South Africa’s greatest cricketers. Boucher is far ahead of the pack with a ridiculous 532 catches and 23 stumpings to his name in 281 innings — the latter being no small feat considering South Africa’s typically pace-friendly pitches and quick-heavy lineups. Boucher averaged 1.975 dismissals per innings.
2. Adam Gilc2. Adam Gilchrist (Australia)
ho changed the entire role, Gilchrist was as incredible with the bat as he was with the gloves. Gilly was responsible for 416 catches and 37 stumpings in his Test career, averaging 2.178 dismissals per innings.
3. Ian Healy3. Ian Healy (Australia)
ussie keeper on the list, Healy was a mainstay for the Baggy Greens in the 90s. He picked up 366 catches and while stumping a further 29, averaging 1.763 dismissals every innings for 224.
4. Rod Marsh4. Rod Marsh (Australia)
in a row for Australians with Rod Marsh, who had 343 catches and 12 stumpings during his career. Marsh averaged 1.950 dismissals per innings, having played 182.
5. Jeffrey D5. Jeffrey Dujon (West Indies)
ve, we have an entrant from the other side of the world. Jeff Dujon took 265 catches and just 5 stumpings in the course of his 150-innings career, averaging 1.8 dismissals per innings.
6. Brad Hadd6. Brad Haddin (Australia)
ough he had a relatively short career, Brad Haddin makes this list with 262 catches in just 128 innings. He also had 8 stumpings to his name and averaged 2.109 dismissals per innings.
7. BJ Watlin7. BJ Watling (New Zealand)
eper played one fewer innings than the aforementioned Haddin, and took 257 catches with a further 8 stumpings at 2.086 scalps per innings.
8. MS Dhoni 8. MS Dhoni (India)
ps://www.cric-life.com/player/ms-dhoni/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India’s Captain Cool played 166 innings over a brilliant career, taking 256 catches with a further 38 stumpings to average 1.771 outs.
9. Alan Knott 9. Alan Knott (England)
emporary of Rod Marsh, Knott may not have been as lucky with the gloves, but he nevertheless took 250 catches and stumped 19 players in 174 innings, averaging 1.545 wickets per match.
10. Matt Prior10. Matt Prior (England)
h talent just about makes it to this list with 243 catches. Prior also has 13 stumpings on record over his 146 innings as a keeper, averaging 1.753 dismissals per turn.
Contents