Wicket-keeping
Where the wicket-keeper must stand
The keeper must stay completely behind the stumps until the ball reaches the batter. Here's what counts as behind, and what movement is allowed.
Updated 29 Sept 2026
The wicket-keeper has more freedom than any other fielder, but the Laws (Law 27) set some clear limits on where they can be while the ball is being bowled.
Stay wholly behind the stumps
From the moment the bowler starts their run-up until the ball does one of these things, the keeper must be completely behind the line of the stumps at the striker's end:
- it touches the bat or the batter,
- it passes the stumps, or
- the batter sets off for a run.
If any part of the keeper is in front of the stumps too early, for example reaching forward to take the ball in front of the wicket, the umpire calls no-ball.
Standing up or standing back
The keeper can stand wherever they like behind the stumps: right up close to a spinner, or 20 metres back for a fast bowler. Choose the position before the bowler runs in.
Movement while the ball is coming
Small, natural movements such as rising from a crouch or shuffling a step sideways are fine. What is not allowed is a significant change of position after the bowler has started, for example running from standing back to standing up, unless it's a reaction to what the batter is doing. If this happens, the umpire calls dead ball. Deliberately trying to distract the batter can also cost 5 penalty runs.
Club tip: when standing up to the stumps, keep your gloves and head behind the line of the bails until the ball has passed the bat.
Official source: lords.org ↗
This is a plain-language club summary for learning. For match decisions, the official ICC Playing Conditions and MCC Laws of Cricket apply.