# Law 27: The Wicket-Keeper (MCC Laws of Cricket)

Cricket · Law 27: The Wicket-Keeper · Insporta Book (https://book.insporta.app/cricket/laws/law-27-the-wicket-keeper/)

Law 27 sets out the wicket-keeper's protective equipment (the only fielder allowed gloves and external leg guards, which count as part of his person), when he forfeits recognition as a keeper, the glove webbing rules, where he must stand until the ball reaches the striker (No ball if he does not), unfair movement and its exceptions and penalties, his interference with the striker, and the striker's interference with him.

## 27.271 The Wicket-Keeper: Protective Equipment and Gloves

The wicket-keeper as the only fielder allowed gloves and external leg guards (part of his person for Law 28.2), forfeiting recognition as a wicket-keeper when his positioning shows he cannot do the normal duties, and the glove webbing rules (only index finger to thumb, a single non-stretch piece, no reinforcements or tucks, top edge not beyond the index-thumb line).

### Test 1: Gloves and leg guards

- Law 27.1: the wicket-keeper is the only fielder permitted to wear gloves and external leg guards. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.1)
- Law 27.1 gives the right to the wicket-keeper alone. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.1)
- Law 27.1 to 27.4. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27)
- Law 27.1: if worn, they are part of his person for Law 28.2 (Fielding the ball). (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.1)
- The board lists four fielders; only the keeper is allowed gloves and external leg guards. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.1)
- Law 27.1 names Law 28.2 (Fielding the ball). (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.1)
- A glove worn by the keeper counts as his hand when he fields the ball. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.1)
- Law 27.1. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.1)
- Law 27.1 is headed Protective equipment. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.1)
- Law 27.1. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.1)

### Test 2: Forfeiting the status of wicket-keeper

- Law 27.1: he shall forfeit this right and the right to be recognised as a wicket-keeper. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.1)
- Law 27.1 says by his actions and positioning when the ball comes into play. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.1)
- Law 27.1. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.1)
- Law 27.1: such positioning shows he cannot carry out the normal duties. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.1)
- Standing in the covers shows he cannot do a keeper's duties, so the recognition is lost. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.1)
- Law 27.1 names Laws 33.2, 39, 28.1, 28.4 and 28.5. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.1)
- Law 27.1 names Law 39 among the recognitions forfeited. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.1)
- Law 27.1 names 33.2, 39 and then 28.1, 28.4 and 28.5. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.1)
- Laws 33.2, 39, 28.1, 28.4 and 28.5. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.1)
- Law 27.1 names Law 28.5 (Fielders not to encroach on pitch). (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.1)

### Test 3: The webbing of the gloves

- Law 27.2.1: webbing may be inserted joining index finger and thumb only. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.2.1)
- Law 27.2.1. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.2.1)
- Law 27.2.1, 27.2.2 and 27.2.3. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.2)
- Law 27.2.2. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.2.2)
- The board shows webbing between index and middle fingers, which the Law bars. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.2.1)
- Law 27.2.2: no reinforcements or tucks (facing material may be attached). (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.2.2)
- Law 27.2.2. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.2.2)
- Law 27.2.1 allows webbing only between index finger and thumb, 27.2.2 requires it to be a single piece of non-stretch material, and 27.2.3 keeps its top edge inside the line from the top of the finger to the top of the thumb. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.2)
- Law 27.2.1. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.2.1)
- Law 27.2.1. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.2.1)

### Test 4: The top edge of the webbing

- Law 27.2.3: not beyond the straight line joining the top of the index finger to the top of the thumb. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.2.3)
- Law 27.2.3. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.2.3)
- Law 27.2.3. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.2.3)
- Law 27.2.3: taut when a hand wearing the glove has the thumb fully extended. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.2.3)
- The edge rises above the index-thumb line, which Law 27.2.3 does not allow. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.2.3)
- Law 27.2.3 says See Appendix E. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.2.3)
- Law 27.2.3. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.2.3)
- Law 27.2 to 27.5. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27)
- Law 27.2.3. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.2.3)
- Law 27.2.3. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.2.3)

### Test 5: Equipment and gloves in cases

- Law 27.2.1. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.2.1)
- Law 27.2.1, 27.2.2 and 27.2.3. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.2)
- Law 27.1, 27.2 and 27.3. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27)
- Law 27.1. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.1)
- Law 27.2.2: the webbing shall be a single piece of non-stretch material. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.2.2)
- Law 27.2.2. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.2.2)
- Law 27.1 and 27.2.1: 'if the wicket-keeper wears gloves'. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.1)
- Law 27.1 and 27.2. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.2)
- Law 27.1. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.1)
- Law 27.2 is headed Gloves. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.2)

## 27.272 The Wicket-Keeper: Position and Movement

Where the wicket-keeper must stand from the moment the ball comes into play (wholly behind the wicket at the striker's end), the No ball for contravening it, what makes a movement unfair and the three exceptions (a few paces for a slower delivery, lateral movement, movement in response to the stroke).

### Test 1: Where the wicket-keeper must stand

- Law 27.3.1. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.3.1)
- Law 27.3.1. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.3.1)
- Law 27.3.1. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.3.1)
- Law 27.3.1 lists three events. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.3.1)
- Law 27.3.1: wholly behind the wicket at the striker's end until the ball reaches the striker or passes the wicket. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.3.1)
- Law 27.3.1 says wholly behind the wicket. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.3.1)
- Law 27.3.1: until the ball touches the bat or person of the striker. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.3.1)
- Law 27.3.1. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.3.1)
- Law 27.3.1: until the striker attempts a run. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.3.1)
- Law 27.3.1. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.3.1)

### Test 2: A keeper in front of the wicket: No ball

- Law 27.3.2. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.3.2)
- Law 27.3.2. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.3.2)
- The keeper must stay wholly behind the wicket from the moment the ball comes into play; if he does not, the striker's end umpire, having seen it, calls No ball as soon as he can after the delivery (Law 27.3.2). (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.3.2)
- Law 27.3.2 has the striker's end umpire call No ball for a keeper in front of the wicket as soon as it is practicable after the ball has been delivered, not before the delivery and not at the end of the over. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.3.2)
- Law 27.3.2: the striker's end umpire calls No ball when the keeper contravenes. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.3.2)
- Law 27.3.2. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.3.2)
- Law 21.11 lists Law 27.3 (Position of wicket-keeper) as a No ball Law. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.3.2)
- Laws 27.3.2, 21.15 and 21.17. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.3.2)
- Law 27.3.2. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.3.2)
- Law 21.15 awards one run instantly on any call of No ball. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.3.2)

### Test 3: Unfair movement by the keeper

- Law 27.4.1. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.1)
- Law 27.4.1. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.1)
- Law 27.4.1. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.1)
- Law 27.4.1: after the ball comes into play and before it reaches the striker. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.1)
- Law 27.4.1: a significant alteration of position, with no listed exception. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.1)
- Law 27.4.1. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.1)
- Law 27.4.1. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.1)
- Law 27.4.1, 27.4.1.1 to 27.4.1.3 and 27.4.2. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4)
- Law 27.4.1.1 to 27.4.1.3. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.1)
- Law 27.4.1. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.1)

### Test 4: When the keeper may move

- Law 27.4.1.1: a few paces forward for a slower delivery unless within reach of the wicket. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.1.1)
- Law 27.4.1.1. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.1.1)
- Law 27.4.1.1, 27.4.1.2 and 27.4.1.3. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.1)
- Law 27.4.1.2: lateral movement in response to the direction of delivery. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.1.2)
- A few paces forward, still out of reach of the wicket, for a slow ball is permitted. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.1.1)
- Law 27.4.1.2. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.1.2)
- Law 27.4.1.3. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.1.3)
- Law 27.4.1.1. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.1.1)
- Law 27.4.1.3: however the provisions of Law 27.3 shall apply. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.1.3)
- Law 27.4.1.3 with Law 27.3. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.1.3)

### Test 5: Position and movement in cases

- Law 27.4.1 and 27.3.1. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.1)
- Law 27.3.1. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.3.1)
- Law 27.3 to 27.6. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27)
- Law 27.3.1. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.3.1)
- Law 27.3.1: the keeper shall remain wholly behind the wicket. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.3.1)
- Law 27.3.1 and 27.3.2. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.3)
- Law 27.4. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4)
- Law 27.3.1. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.3.1)
- Once it has passed the striker's wicket the keeper is free to move up and take it. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.3.1)
- Law 27.3.1. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.3.1)

## 27.273 The Wicket-Keeper: Penalties and Interference

What the umpires do after unfair movement by the keeper (Dead ball, 5 Penalty runs to the batting side, informing the captains and batters, the report), interference with the striker by the keeper (Law 20.4.2.6, and Law 41.4 if wilful) and interference with the keeper by the striker (out only under Law 37.3).

### Test 1: What the umpires do after unfair movement

- Law 27.4.2. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.2)
- Law 27.4.2. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.2)
- Law 27.4.2. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.2)
- Law 27.4.2.2. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.2.2)
- Law 27.4.2.2: 5 Penalty runs to the batting side. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.2.2)
- Law 27.4.2.1. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.2.1)
- Law 27.4.2.2. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.2.2)
- Law 27.4.2.1 to 27.4.2.4. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.2)
- Law 27.4.2. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.2)
- Law 27.4.2. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.2)

### Test 2: Telling people, and the report

- Law 27.4.2.3. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.2.3)
- Law 27.4.2.4. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.2.4)
- Law 27.4.2. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.2)
- Law 27.4.2.4. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.2.4)
- Law 27.4.2.4: the captain of the batting side is informed as soon as practicable. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.2.4)
- Law 27.4.2. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.2)
- Law 27.4.2. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.2)
- Law 27.4.2. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.2)
- Law 27.4.2. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.2)
- Law 27.4.2. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.2)

### Test 3: Interference with the striker by the keeper

- Law 27.5. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.5)
- Law 27.5 refers to Law 20.4.2.6. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.5)
- Interference by the keeper with the striker's right to play the ball brings Dead ball under Law 20.4.2.6 in every case; if either umpire then judges it wilful, Law 41.4 on deliberately distracting the striker applies as well (Law 27.5). (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.5)
- Law 27.5 and Law 20.4.2.6. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.5)
- Law 27.5: interference with the striker's right to play brings Law 20.4.2.6. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.5)
- Law 27.5: in the opinion of either umpire. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.5)
- Law 27.5: Law 41.4 (Deliberate attempt to distract striker) shall also apply. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.5)
- Law 27.5. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.5)
- Law 41.4. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.5)
- Law 27.5. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.5)

### Test 4: Interference with the keeper by the striker

- Law 27.6. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.6)
- Law 27.6 names Law 37.3, Obstructing a ball from being caught. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.6)
- Law 27.6. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.6)
- Law 27.6. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.6)
- Law 27.6: not out unless Law 37.3 (Obstructing a ball from being caught) applies. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.6)
- Law 27.6. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.6)
- Law 27.6 and Law 37.3. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.6)
- Law 27.5 and 27.6. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27)
- Law 27.6. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.6)
- Law 27.6 is headed Interference with wicket-keeper by striker. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.6)

### Test 5: Law 27 as a whole

- Law 27.1 to 27.6. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27)
- Law 27.5. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.5)
- The No ball for standing in front of the wicket comes in Law 27.3.2; unfair movement brings 5 Penalty runs in 27.4.2.2; the report to the Executive and Governing Body closes 27.4.2. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27)
- Law 27.3.1. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.3.1)
- Law 27.4.2.2: 5 Penalty runs to the batting side. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.2.2)
- Law 27.4.2.2. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.4.2.2)
- Law 27.6. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.6)
- Law 27.1 to 27.6. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27)
- Law 27.1. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.1)
- Law 27.3.2. (Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd ed. 2022), Law 27.3.2)

Sources: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition, 2022), Law 27 with Laws 20.4.2.6, 21.11, 21.15, 28.1, 28.2, 28.4, 28.5, 33.2, 37.3, 39, 41.4 and Appendix E as cross-references (paraphrased in original wording; original questions authored from the Laws, not reproduced)

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