5 best oldest wicket-keepers in the history of cricket

Wicket-keepers have a thankless and literally back-breaking job. Very often, good glovework behind the stumps goes unnoticed while the mistakes never fail to catch the eye. Considering the fact that good wicket-keepers also double up as specialist batsmen, it is not strange that that their careers have a shelf life at the end of the day.Yet strangely, there have been legendary keepers in the history of the sport who defied the odds and played on till a ripe age. In this article, we look at the best keepers who played on till late and retired at a very advanced age.If MS Dhoni would retire soon in the days to come, he would not make it to this list. But two legendary Indian wicket-keepers are on the list. 

#5 Ridley Jacobs

Jacobs keeping against England

Ridley Jacobs did not have a long career as he started pretty late. He made his debut at the age of 31 and served his country for six years. In those six years, he turned out to be a prolific wicket-keeper. He played in 65 Tests in those six years and took 200 catches becoming only the second West Indian keeper after Jeff Dujon to achieve this remarkable feat.

He has played in 147 ODIs besides the 65 Tests and was one of the best wicket-keepers that the West Indies ever had. As a batsman, he was more gutsy than brilliant though he has more than 2000 Test runs in his kitty.  With Courtney Browne and Carlton Baugh pushing for a place in the side, Jacobs last appeared in the West Indian colours in 2004, at the ripe age of 37.