The wicketkeeper is the most important fieldsman in cricket. A good keeper makes for a good and tidy fielding side. Should he be careless in his job, it is unattractive to watch and ineffective.
If the keeper is really in the game and doing his job, he can make even a bad return to the wicket, look a good one. The wicketkeeper must 'Keep in the game' at all times and he must try to help the fielders all the time. The wicketkeeper should have the best equipment for him to do his job well.
Wicketkeeping Basics Stand right up to the wicket or right back -- never half way. Keep your head down. Watch the ball -- not the bat. Don't snatch -- let the hands "ride" with the ball. Should not relax on the field Concentrate hard on every ball. Wicketkeeping is sub-divided into the following sub-sections:
Where to Stand & Stance Spin Bowling Medium Pace/Fast Bowling Stance
Taking the ball & Comon Faults
Taking on the off-side Taking on the leg-side Taking a rising ball close to the wicket Common Faults
Australia fined for slow over-rate against West Indies