Counting down the leading Test wicketkeepers of all time

We are in the middle of Test season, with series taking place in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

Typically, when it comes to records the focus is on batsmen and bowlers.

But how about a quick look at some fielding statistics – and in particular wicketkeepers. While most fans could probably tell you who is the leading Test wicket taker of all time – Muttiah Muralitharan.

Or who is the all-time leading run scorer – Sachin Tendulkar, how many people know the leading keepers.

Here’s a quick countdown from five to one.

5. MS Dhoni (India) 294 (256 catches and 38 stumpings)

MS Dhoni, known for his sharp reflexes and calm demeanour, recorded 294 dismissals in Test cricket. While his incredible captaincy often overshadowed his keeping, Dhoni was brilliant behind the stumps, particularly against spinners.

His lightning-quick stumpings remain iconic. While Dhoni is fifth on the all-time list, he is second on the list of career Test stumpings with 38 – the only keeper with more than him is legendary England gloveman Godfrey Evans a player, regarded by many as the best keeper of all time.

4. Rod Marsh (Australia) 355 (343 catches and 12 stumpings)

Rod Marsh was a pioneer for Australia wicketkeeping, finishing his career with 355 dismissals in 96 Tests.

Known for his partnership with legendary pace bowler Dennis Lillee, Marsh’s athleticism and technique made him a standout in the 1970s and early 1980s against England and the rest.

Read more: Who has hit the most Test centuries for Australia?

3. Ian Healy (Australia) 395 (366 catches and 29 stumpings)

Ian Healy was instrumental in Australia’s cricketing dominance during the 1990s. With 395 dismissals in 119 matches, Healy set the benchmark for modern wicketkeepers, combining sharp glovework with gritty lower-order batting.

Much like the man ahead of him at number two on the list, Healy was blessed to stand keeper to what was quite possibly the best bowling attack of the modern game – featuring the likes of Shane Warne and Glen McGrath.

2. Adam Gilchrist (Australia) 416 (379 catches and 37 stumpings)

Adam Gilchrist revolutionized the role of a wicketkeeper-batsman. While his explosive batting grabbed headlines, his keeping was equally remarkable.

In 96 Tests, he recorded 416 dismissals, excelling in challenging conditions, particularly against fast bowlers.

1. Mark Boucher (South Africa) 555 (532 catches and 23 stumpings)

Way out in front at the top of the list is South Africa gloveman Mark Boucher who comes home first with a staggering 555 dismissals in 147 Tests. Known for his durability and consistency, Boucher’s ability to perform in tough situations made him a cornerstone of the South African team for over a decade.

Boucher was a great keeper, but his job was made easier by the quality of the attack he kept for. His career coincided with the bowlers like Dale Steyn, Shaun Pollock, Jacques Kallis, Morne Morkel and Makhaya Ntini.

Read next: Is Ravichandran Ashwin India’s most prolific Test wicket-taker?