Rare Instances Where Wicketkeepers Picked Up Wickets In Tests

Here’s a look at some rare instances where wicketkeepers picked up wickets in Tests.

A member of India’s historic 1983 World Cup-winning squad, Syed Kirmani achieved a rare bowling milestone in Test cricket.

Source : PTI

Test cricket, known for being the most demanding format of the game, tests every aspect of a player's skill and temperament over five grueling days.

While batsmen strive to build innings and bowlers battle to take wickets, wicketkeepers carry the dual responsibility of staying alert behind the stumps and contributing with the bat. Interestingly, a few wicketkeepers have also made headlines for doing the unexpected—taking wickets with the ball in Test cricket.

Here’s a look at some rare instances where wicketkeepers picked up wickets in Tests:

Jim Parks (England)

One of England's renowned wicketkeeper-batters, Jim Parks, claimed a lone Test wicket during a match against India in Kanpur in 1964—the only wicket of his Test career.

Syed Kirmani (India)

A member of India’s historic 1983 World Cup-winning squad, Syed Kirmani achieved a rare bowling milestone in Test cricket. He took his only Test wicket against Pakistan in 1983, adding a surprising feather to his cap.

Tasleem Arif (Pakistan)

Pakistani keeper Tasleem Arif also found himself among this unique group. In a Test match against Australia in Lahore (1980), he bowled five overs and picked up a wicket—his only one in Test cricket.

Tatenda Taibu (Zimbabwe)

Known for his gritty performances behind the stumps and with the bat, Tatenda Taibu took a rare wicket against Sri Lanka in Harare in 2004, the only one in his Test career.

Mark Boucher (South Africa)

Regarded as one of the finest wicketkeepers in cricket history, Mark Boucher stunned everyone when he took a wicket during a Test against the West Indies in 2005—his sole scalp in the format.

Additionally, other notable mentions include:

Alfred Lyttelton (England) – 4 Test wickets

Bill Storer (England) – 2 wickets

Dick Lilley (England) – 1 wicket

Clifford McWatt (West Indies) – 1 wicket

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