What can and can't the wicketkeeper do?
A · Advanced · What can fielders do? · 13 of 20The wicketkeeper is the only fielder allowed to wear gloves and leg guards. They must stay completely behind the stumps until the ball touches the bat or body, passes the stumps or the batter tries to run. Coming in front earlier is a no-ball. Moving unfairly while the bowler runs in costs 5 penalty runs.
How it works
- Gloves may have webbing only between the index finger and thumb, and only within set limits.
- A keeper whose position shows they are not really keeping loses the right to wear the gloves and pads, and is treated as an ordinary fielder.
- Between the ball coming into play and reaching the batter, the keeper may move a few paces forward, move sideways with the line of the ball or move in response to the batter's shot. Any other significant movement is unfair: dead ball and 5 penalty runs.
- The keeper must not interfere with the batter's right to play the ball. A batter who interferes with the keeper while playing the ball is not out for it, unless it stops a catch.
- Only the keeper can make a stumping.
Tricky cases
Is it a no-ball if the keeper's gloves are in front of the stumps?
Yes, if it happens before the ball touches the bat or body, passes the stumps or the batter tries to run.
Can the keeper move after the bowler starts running in?
Only a few paces forward, sideways with the ball or in response to the batter's shot. Anything more is unfair.
Can a substitute keep wicket?
Yes, with the umpires' consent.
Can a fielder other than the keeper wear gloves?
No. Other fielders may protect their hands or fingers only with the umpires' consent.
Why the rule exists
The keeper stands closer to the batter than anyone, with extra protection. The limits stop the keeper using that position to crowd the batter or gain an unfair start.
Where it differs
Nothing that changes the rule. The same in the Laws and the ICC men's playing conditions.
From the rule book
MCC Laws of Cricket, Laws 27.1 to 27.6, 28.1 and 24.1.2, 4th Edition, in force from 1 October 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: MCC Laws of Cricket (PDF).