Wicketkeeping in Test cricket is one of the most demanding roles on the field requiring agility, focus, stamina, and often, nerves of steel. A great wicketkeeper not only stops runs but also crafts crucial dismissals that shift the momentum of matches. Over decades of Test cricket, a handful of elite glovemen have risen above the rest to dominate the dismissal charts.
List of 10 Most dismissals in career in Tests
10. Matt Prior (England)
Matt Prior was a fierce competitor and a key figure in England’s rise to the pinnacle of world cricket. Renowned for his aggressive yet intelligent batting style, he consistently provided crucial runs in the middle and lower order, often rescuing the team from difficult situations. As a wicketkeeper, his reliable glovework and sharp reflexes made him a constant presence behind the stumps, contributing significantly to his tally of some of the most dismissals in career among England’s keepers. More than just his skills, Prior brought intensity, passion, and a winning mentality to the dressing room, making him an invaluable part of England’s golden era in Test cricket.
| Matches | Innings | Dismissals | Catches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 79 | 146 | 256 | 243 |
9. BJ Watling (New Zealand)
An unsung hero of New Zealand cricket, BJ Watling was a resilient wicketkeeper and a gritty, dependable batsman. Known for his determination and calm under pressure, he often stood tall in tough situations, guiding the team through challenging Test matches. With one of the most dismissals in career among New Zealand wicketkeepers, Watling played a pivotal role in the Black Caps’ rise to becoming World Test Champions, embodying the spirit and fight of New Zealand cricket.
| Matches | Innings | Dismissals | Catches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 75 | 127 | 265 | 257 |
8. Alan Knott (England)
A unique character and supremely skilled wicketkeeper, Alan Knott was a key figure in England’s success during the 1970s. Renowned for his quirky personality and meticulous preparation, Knott brought flair and intensity to the game. Behind the stumps, he was nothing short of exceptional — his lightning-fast reflexes made him a master of stumpings, and his glove work was second to none, contributing to one of the most dismissals in career by an English wicketkeeper.
| Matches | Innings | Dismissals | Catches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 95 | 174 | 269 | 250 |
7. Jeff Dujon (West Indies)
Jeff Dujon was a standout among West Indies wicketkeepers during their golden era. Known for his smooth glovework and calm presence, he handled a fierce pace attack with ease. Dujon recorded one of the most dismissals in career by a West Indies wicketkeeper, showcasing his consistency, sharp reflexes, and vital role in a team full of legends.
| Matches | Innings | Dismissals | Catches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 81 | 150 | 270 | 265 |
6. Brad Haddin (Australia)
Brad Haddin brought much-needed stability and grit to the Australian team in the post-Gilchrist era. Known for his sharp reflexes and consistency behind the stumps, Haddin was a highly dependable wicketkeeper who rarely let opportunities slip. His glovework was tidy, efficient, and often underrated, especially given the high standards set by his predecessor. With the bat, he was a fierce competitor, capable of changing the course of a match with counter-attacking innings. Among his many achievements, Haddin stands out for being among the top wicketkeepers with the most dismissals in career, reflecting his lasting impact on Australian cricket.
| Matches | Innings | Dismissals | Catches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 66 | 128 | 270 | 262 |
5. MS Dhoni (India)
Captain Cool wasn’t just a finisher with the bat he was also India’s best-ever Test wicketkeeper. With the most dismissals in career among Indian keepers, Dhoni was a game-changer behind the stumps. His lightning-fast stumpings, unorthodox yet incredibly effective techniques, and unmatched anticipation made him a nightmare for batsmen. Whether it was a sharp take down the leg side or a no-look run-out, Dhoni’s glove work was as iconic as his calm presence under pressure. Add to that his street-smart cricketing brain, and you had a keeper who not only saved runs but created opportunities out of nowhere.
| Matches | Innings | Dismissals | Catches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90 | 166 | 294 | 256 |
4. Rod Marsh (Australia)
A pioneer of modern wicketkeeping, Rod Marsh was as tough as they came both mentally and physically. Renowned for his sharp reflexes, safe hands, and tireless work behind the stumps, Marsh helped redefine the role of a wicketkeeper from simply being a catcher to a critical tactical asset, eventually earning recognition for having one of the most dismissals in career history.
| Matches | Innings | Dismissals | Catches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96 | 182 | 355 | 343 |
3. Ian Healy (Australia)
The ultimate team man, Ian Healy was the backbone of Australia’s fielding unit during the 90s. Renowned for his sharp reflexes, impeccable glove work, and unwavering focus behind the stumps, Healy—who holds one of the records for the most dismissals in career—redefined the role of a wicketkeeper in the modern game.
| Matches | Innings | Dismissals | Catches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 119 | 224 | 395 | 366 |
2. Adam Gilchrist (Australia
One of the most influential cricketers of all time, Adam Gilchrist revolutionized the role of the wicketkeeper-batsman. Renowned for his explosive batting that could change the course of a match in minutes, he was equally brilliant behind the stumps. His sharp reflexes, safe hands, and consistent glovework provided Australia with unmatched stability, making him a key figure in their era of dominance in world cricket. Gilchrist’s remarkable record of the most dismissals in career as a wicketkeeper further cements his legacy as one of the game’s greats.
| Matches | Innings | Dismissals | Catches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96 | 191 | 416 | 379 |
1. Mark Boucher (South Africa)
Mark Boucher, the record-holder for the most dismissals in career, was the ultimate gloveman in world cricket. His lightning reflexes, sharp game sense, and unmatched consistency made him a vital asset to South Africa behind the stumps.
| Matches | Innings | Dismissals | Catches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 147 | 281 | 555 | 532 |
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