Test Wicketkeepers - Top Six Innings Performances of the 2000s

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While the role of the wicketkeeper in the modern game has changed, one can value the contribution of a wicketkeeper by how many dismissals he can effect. In the top ten performances of the decade between 2000 and 2009, there were some outstanding and record-equalling performances by the glove-men. In the top six performances of the 2000s, there are even a couple of surprises.

1. Ridley Jacobs, West Indies - 7 dismissals versus Australia at Melbourne (December 2000)

Jacobs was the most consistent glove-man for the regional team since Jeff Dujon in the 1980s. Given his usually competent work behind the stumps, it is no surprise that he had this record-equalling feat. What was surprising was that he got the opportunity to take seven dismissals in a game that Australia dominated from the start. In that game, the Antiguan wicketkeeper took seven catches off the fast bowlers to become the only wicketkeeper to take seven dismissals in that decade. The West Indies lost that match by 352 runs though.

2. Mark Boucher, South Africa - 6 dismissals versus Zimbabwe at Centurion (March 2005)

In the midst of turmoil, Zimbabwe's cricket was considerably weakened. That their batsmen offered six chances for Mark Boucher to catch was no surprise. The reliable and agile South African does not drop catches easily. That second innings performance by Boucher facilitated an innings victory for South Africa.

3. Geraint Jones, England - 6 dismissals versus Bangladesh at Chester-le-Street (June 2005)

Playing against Bangladesh in their seminal stage was always going to offer catching practice, but Geraint Jones gleefully accepted the practice. The Papua New Guinea-born England wicketkeeper caught six as Bangladesh tumbled to 104 all out against England. The struggling Tigers lost to England by an innings and 27 runs in that Test.

4. Chris Read, England - 6 dismissals versus Australia at Melbourne (December 2006)

English wicketkeepers were playing musical chairs in the 2000s after the retirement of stalwart Alec Stewart. There was Matt Prior, Geraint Jones and Chris Read. Read was likely the best wicketkeeper amongst the lot, although a below-average batsman. It was no surprise that he took six vital dismissals in the 2006 Boxing Day Test against the Aussies. However, that outstanding glove work did not prevent England falling to an innings and 99-run defeat.

5. Chris Read, England - 6 dismissals versus Australia at Sydney (January 2007)

In the same 2006/2007 Ashes series as above, Read again claimed six dismissals - one stumping and five catches. England failed to capitalise on that achievement, falling to the Aussies by 10 wickets.

6. M.S. Dhoni, India - 6 dismissals versus New Zealand at Wellington (April 2009)

In a drawn match, that India nearly won, Dhoni took six catches behind the stumps - including two sharp chances standing up to Harbhajan Singh's offspin. It was ironic that Dhoni's cautious captaincy, in setting New Zealand 617 to win, denied India the victory, after such a stellar first innings performance.