wicketkeeper

noun

Etymology: Etymology tree English wicket English keeper English wicketkeeper From wicket + keeper.

1. A player who stands behind the batsman’s wicket ready to catch the ball, or to stump the batsman.

   “England's wicket-keeper in the 50s, he was fearless about standing on the stumps to fastish bowlers[.]”

   “The fielder clad in armour who squats behind the batsman should be respected as a specialist and not treated as a dabbler. The wicketkeeper controls the mood around the pitch. His gloves hold most of the catches, his voice accompanies every appeal. He is the factory foreman, responsible for every ball.”