wicketkeeper

plural wicketkeepers · alternative wicket-keeper

1. ball gamesA player who stands behind the batsman’s wicket ready to catch the ball, or to stump the batsman.

   England's wicket-keeper in the 50s, he was fearless about standing on the stumps to fastish bowlers[.]

   1990, Ashes: Battles and Bellylaughs, Byron Bay: Swan Publishing, page 207

   1 more example

   The fielder clad in armour who squats behind the batsman should be respected as a specialist and not treated as a dabbler. The wicketkeeper controls the mood around the pitch. His gloves hold most of the catches, his voice accompanies every appeal. He is the factory foreman, responsible for every ball.

   2011, Shehan Karunatilaka, Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew, Jonathan Cape, page 210

   Synonyms: keeper, wickie