Do Wicket Keepers Need a Helmet? A Guide to Keeping Helmets

Yes, a wicket keeper should wear a helmet whenever they stand up to the stumps. Up close, a keeper has a split second to react to edges, top edges, deflections off the pad and balls that bounce or keep low. In Cricket Australia-run competitions a helmet is compulsory when keeping up to the stumps, and Cricket Australia strongly recommends one in community cricket. When standing back to fast bowling, most keepers don't wear one, because they have more time to see the ball.

We fit keepers of all ages at Western Sports Centre in Derrimut. Here's what to know about keeping helmets and how to choose one.

When does a keeper need a helmet?

• Standing up to the stumps (usually to spin and slower bowling): wear a helmet. This is when keepers are most at risk.
• Standing back (to medium and fast bowling): a helmet is usually not needed, though some keepers wear a cap with sunglasses or keep their helmet on for comfort.
• Junior keepers: many junior competitions require a helmet whenever the keeper stands up. Check your club or association's rules.

Keeping helmet or batting helmet?

Any helmet that meets the safety standard BS7928:2013 will protect a keeper. Many keepers simply use their batting helmet.

A keeping helmet is made for the job. It has a cut-out at the back, so the helmet doesn't dig into your neck or shoulders when you crouch and look up. It's also usually lighter, which helps when you're crouching and getting up hundreds of times a day.

The Masuri T-Line Steel Wicket Keeping Helmet is a good example. It meets BS7928:2013, has a steel grille and soft foam liners, and has a rear cut-out for crouching comfort. See our full wicket keeping helmet range.

How should a keeping helmet fit?

1. Measure your head about 2 cm above your eyebrows and use the size chart on the product page.
2. Get into your crouch. The helmet should stay put and not tip forward when you look up at the bowler.
3. Check your view. You should be able to see the ball clearly out of the bowler's hand and all the way into your gloves.
4. Move side to side. Dive or step across. The helmet shouldn't shift or rattle.

Our cricket helmet buying guide covers fit, safety rules and neck guards in more detail.

The rest of the keeper's kit

• Gloves and inners: keeping gloves with cotton or chamois inner gloves underneath for extra padding and grip. We stock Masuri T Line and E Line keeping gloves and inners.
• Keeping pads: lighter and shorter than batting pads so you can crouch and move quickly, such as the Masuri T Line keeping pads.
• Box (abdominal guard): a must for every keeper.
• Shoes: keepers spend all day crouching and moving, so comfort and grip matter. See our cricket shoes buying guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is a helmet compulsory for wicket keepers?

In Cricket Australia-run competitions, yes, when keeping up to the stumps. In community cricket it's strongly recommended, and many associations make it compulsory, especially for juniors.

Can I use my batting helmet for keeping?

Yes. Any BS7928:2013 helmet will protect you. A keeping helmet is just more comfortable in the crouch because of the cut-out at the back.

Does a keeper need a neck guard?

Neck guards are made for batters facing fast bowling, so most keepers don't wear one. Some prefer to keep it on if they use their batting helmet.

Why do keepers take their helmet off for fast bowling?

Standing well back gives them much more time to see the ball, so the risk is lower, and a helmet can feel hot and limit vision over a long day.

Need a hand?

Come into Western Sports Centre in Derrimut and we'll fit your helmet, gloves and pads properly. Or browse our cricket helmets online.