The Wicketkeeper-Batter: From Leslie Ames to Dhoni to Bairstow
The wicketkeeper who can also bat — reliably scoring at number 7 or even higher — is among the most valuable commodities in cricket. This guide covers the history of great wicketkeeper-batters, the skills required, and how the role evolved from specialist gloveman to batting asset.
For much of cricket history, the wicketkeeper was selected primarily for their skill behind the stumps — batting was a bonus. All that changed with the emergence of players like Adam Gilchrist and MS Dhoni who combined world-class glove work with batting that could decide matches. Today, every international team searches for the wicketkeeper who can also bat at 6 or 7 — a position that can effectively give a team an extra specialist batter.
The Traditional Wicketkeeper
Leslie Ames of Kent and England (1926-1951) is cricket's original great wicketkeeper-batter, scoring 102 first-class centuries while keeping wicket. Godfrey Evans later maintained England's tradition of keeper-batters. In the modern era, the standard changed dramatically when Adam Gilchrist arrived — a wicketkeeper who attacked from ball one and scored Test centuries at a strike rate that redefined the role.
MS Dhoni — The Finisher
Dhoni's wicketkeeping was functional rather than spectacular, but his batting — particularly in ODIs and T20s — was match-defining. His final-over finishing ability, particularly his helicopter shot, made him perhaps the most valuable number 7 in cricket history. His 91 not out in the 2011 World Cup Final, coming in at number 5 and finishing the chase in a partnership with Yuvraj Singh, is one of cricket's most celebrated innings.
Modern Examples
Jonny Bairstow (England) has demonstrated the modern keeper-batter at its most extreme — in Tests he has opened the batting while the regular opener was injured, averages over 40, and has scored centuries in the top order. Quinton de Kock (South Africa) averaged over 40 at Test level while keeping wicket to a good standard. Alyssa Healy's 170 not out in the 2023 Women's World Cup Final is one of the great keeper-batter innings.
The Skills Required
Wicketkeeping at international level requires: standing up to the stumps for spinners (requiring fast hands and strong concentration), standing back for pace bowlers (requiring good positional awareness and catching at height), diving and glove work when the ball moves laterally, and taking the ball in front of the stumps for stumpings. Adding reliable batting at number 6 or 7 requires all the normal batting skills plus the ability to switch quickly from a defensive, focused mental mode.
Frequently asked questions
What is a wicketkeeper-batter?
A player who keeps wicket for the team but also provides significant batting contributions — averaging 35-50+ in Tests rather than the 20-30 expected from a traditional specialist wicketkeeper.
Who is the best wicketkeeper-batter in Test history?
Adam Gilchrist is widely considered the greatest — his 17 Test centuries, 47.60 average, and match-winning lower-order batting set a new standard for the position. MS Dhoni and Kumar Sangakkara are also frequently cited.
Can the wicketkeeper bat at any position?
In theory yes — Kumar Sangakkara opened the batting for Sri Lanka while keeping wicket. But most wicketkeeper-batters bat at 6-7, providing depth rather than early order stability.