The wicket-keeper is a key player for any team in the sport of cricket. Such is the importance of this player that Law 27 of the Marleybone Cricket Club’s Laws of Cricket is dedicated to the wicket-keeper. It details the roles, positioning, and actions of the wicket-keeper when on field. Yet, none of the laws state that the wicket-keeper has to be a part of the playing eleven compulsorily.
No team makes the move of not having a wicket-keeper in their side. The only advantage the fielding side can have by not placing a wicket-keeper is that this fielder can now be placed at any other spot to stop the flow of runs. But this is not quite a remarkable move as it leaves a massive void behind the batter, leaving it open for the batters to score runs through byes. Furthermore, by not having a wicket-keeper, the bowler is compelled to bowl a line targeting the stumps. Any deviation can result in the batter leaving the ball for byes.
The wicket-keeper is the only fielder who is allowed to wear protective gear like helmet, gloves, and pads. When the wicket-keeper is not wearing the helmet, it is placed behind him or her. Should the ball hit the helmet, the batting side is awarded five runs. By removing the wicket-keeper, the fielding side can eliminate a source of five runs; though the runs scored by this means is an extremely rare event.
The tactic to remove a wicket-keeper is employed only in scenarios when the batting side requires at least two boundaries to secure a win in the last couple of balls of the innings. The extra fielder can then be placed near the boundary line to restrict the fours or sixes.
An unheard and unseen tactic for most, professional cricket at international level has never seen this move. However, in lower tiers, teams may resort to such strategies.
