wicketkeeper

[ wik-it-kee-per ]

noun

, Cricket.

1. the player on the fielding side who stands immediately behind the wicket to stop balls that pass it.

wicketkeeper

/ ˈwɪkɪtˌkiːpə /

noun

1. cricket the player on the fielding side positioned directly behind the wicket

Word History and Origins

Origin of wicketkeeper¹

First recorded in 1740–50; wicket + keeper

Example Sentences

The 34-year-old has not played since the T20 World Cup in June and has confirmed he will not return as wicketkeeper in the Caribbean, with Phil Salt taking the gloves.

From BBC

While Carty was dropped twice, Hope offered just one chance for England on 60, when he nicked Bethell, only for wicketkeeper Phil Salt to drop it.

From BBC

Five players have signed their first central contracts - wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, white-ball batter Phil Salt, spinner Shoaib Bashir, all-rounder Will Jacks and fast bowler Olly Stone have all signed one-year deals.

From BBC

Furthermore, the England skipper's teenage idol, South Africa great AB de Villiers, also played much of his career as a wicketkeeper, but kept in only three of his last 78 matches and averaged 65.

From BBC

"Being wicketkeeper is a massive benefit in terms of getting tactical information around decision-making," says Sam Billings, a wicketkeeping captain who has won the 2021 T20 Blast and the past two editions of the Hundred as skipper.

From BBC