5 best wicket-keeper catches in Test history
Keeping wickets is a specialized job. It requires skill and hard work to become a wicketkeeper. Fitness, concentration, agility and quick reflexes are some of the attributes for effective wicket-keeping.
Generally, glovemen go unnoticed if they do their job quietly and perfectly. The eyebrows are raised when a keeper misses an opportunity as he is expected to take every chance that comes his way. The wicket-keeper of the side, not only should do his bit behind the stumps, but he must also be a good reader and observer of the game. He should be in a position to give feedback to the captain when required, make minor adjustments in the field and constantly has to encourage the bowler.
That’s why wicketkeepers are one of the most underrated players in the game. Most of the time their performances behind the stumps go unnoticed.
However, time and again, they attract everyone's attention with a brilliant piece of glove-work or a physics-defying catch. On that note, here are some of the best catches by wicket-keepers in Tests.
#5 AB de Villiers vs India, 2013 - Durban
After a thrilling draw in the first Test, India were coasting along nicely at 265-4 in the second test. Virat Kohli was in wonderful form scoring 119 and 96 in the first test. Batting on 46, he was once again looking comfortable and was set for another big score. On the other hand, Morne Morkel was bowling a very good spell giving nothing away.
Kohli tried to glance a delivery down leg-side, but it was superbly caught by De Villiers, a one-handed take to his left. It was one of Morkel’s worst deliveries of the spell, which Kohli would put away nine out of 10 times.
After Kohli’s dismissal to a piece of brilliance, India folded for 334 as the lower order didn’t last long and failed to capitalize on a good start.