Every Position Needs Different Gear — The Keeper Needs the Most
Wicket keepers wear more protective equipment than any other player on the field. Two gloves (different from batting gloves), two pads (different from batting pads), inner gloves, an abdominal guard, and often a helmet. If one piece of kit is uncomfortable or ill-fitting, it affects every catch, every stumping, every take down the leg side.
This guide walks through every piece of keeping equipment, what makes keeping gear different from batting gear, and which products we stock at TopCricketStore's Edison warehouse for US-based keepers at every level — from junior club cricket to adult league play.
Wicket Keeping Gloves: The Most Critical Piece
Keeping gloves look like batting gloves at a glance, but they're fundamentally different products. Batting gloves prioritise impact protection on the back of the hand. Keeping gloves prioritise webbing between the thumb and index finger — that's where 80% of catches are taken. The palm padding on keeping gloves is thinner to maintain feel, and the finger construction is more flexible for quick release on stumpings.
SG Keeping Gloves — The US Standard
SG (Sanspareils Greenlands) dominates the keeping glove market in US cricket. Three models cover every budget:
- SG RP 17 Adult Keeping Gloves ($99.99): The premium choice. Deep webbing, reinforced palm padding, ventilated finger stalls. Used by club keepers who stand up to medium pace. The RP 17 is the model most US keepers upgrade to after their first season.
- SG SupaKeep Keeping Gloves ($89.99): Mid-range workhorse. Slightly lighter than the RP 17 with a softer palm feel. Better for keepers who prioritise feel over maximum protection. Good choice for standing back to faster bowlers where the ball hits the gloves with more pace.
- SG Super Club Junior Keeping Gloves ($44.99): Entry-level with solid webbing. Perfect for junior keepers aged 10-15. The finger stalls are sized for smaller hands, and the closure strap adjusts for growing wrists.
Gray-Nicolls Keeping Gloves
The Gray-Nicolls Limited Edition Keeping Gloves ($94.99) offer a different feel — the red leather construction is softer out of the box than SG's stiffer leather, requiring less break-in time. The webbing is slightly shallower than the RP17, which some keepers prefer for cleaner releases on stumpings. Gray-Nicolls uses a chamois-lined inner that reduces sweat buildup during long innings.
Wicket Keeping Pads: Lightweight and Flexible
Keeping pads are lighter and shorter than batting pads. They end below the knee (not above it like batting pads) because keepers need to squat and move laterally. The straps are positioned differently to avoid digging into the back of the knee when crouched.
- SG Hilite Adult Keeping Pads: Traditional cane-filled construction with a lightweight PU cover. The knee roll is positioned higher than batting pads for crouching comfort. Three adjustable straps with quick-release buckles.
- SG Club Junior Keeping Pads: Scaled-down version for younger keepers. Same construction quality, smaller knee rolls. Fits ages 10-15.
A common mistake: wearing batting pads for keeping. Batting pads restrict knee flexion when squatting and the top hat digs into the thigh in a keeper's crouch. If you keep wicket more than twice a season, buy proper keeping pads.
Wicket Keeping Inner Gloves: The Layer Most Keepers Skip
Inner gloves are thin cotton or chamois gloves worn inside keeping gloves. They serve two purposes: sweat absorption and improved grip. Keeping gloves get wet inside during long innings — inner gloves wick moisture away from your hands and prevent the leather from becoming slick.
The Kookaburra Chamois Padded Inner Gloves ($17.99) are the standard pick. The chamois palms provide extra grip even when damp. Available in adult and junior sizes. At under $20, they're the cheapest upgrade a keeper can make — and the one that makes the biggest difference on hot summer days.
Abdominal Guard (Box): Non-Negotiable for Keepers
Keepers take more balls to the body than any other fielder. An abdominal guard is mandatory — not optional — when keeping wicket, even in practice. Keepers need a guard that stays in place during repeated squatting and lateral movement. Look for a padded waistband and a contoured cup that doesn't shift when you move.
Helmet: Standing Up vs Standing Back
Keepers standing up to the stumps (medium pace or spin) must wear a helmet. Standing back to fast bowlers, a helmet is strongly recommended — a top edge flying over the slips can reach the keeper at serious pace. Look for a helmet with good rear coverage (the back of the head is exposed when crouching) and a removable visor for sunny days.
Complete Keeper's Kit Checklist
| Item | Recommendation | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping Gloves | SG RP 17 | $99.99 |
| Keeping Pads | SG Hilite Adult | Check price |
| Inner Gloves | Kookaburra Chamois | $17.99 |
| Abdominal Guard | SS Ranji Abdo Guard | $9.99 |
| Helmet | Shrey or Masuri (with rear coverage) | $50-$120 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use batting gloves for wicket keeping?
No. Batting gloves lack the webbing between thumb and index finger that catches 80% of deliveries. They're also bulkier, reducing feel for the ball. Over a 50-over innings, the difference between proper keeping gloves and batting gloves is 2-3 dropped catches. If you keep wicket, invest in dedicated keeping gloves — the SG Super Club Junior at $44.99 is the minimum entry point.
How should wicket keeping gloves fit?
Keeping gloves should fit snugly with your fingers reaching the end of each stall but not pressing against the tips. There should be room to close your fist comfortably. The wrist strap should hold the glove in place without restricting movement. If you're between sizes, size up — you can wear inner gloves to fill the extra space, but gloves that are too small will restrict blood flow and reduce feel.
Do wicket keeping pads need to be a specific size?
Yes. Keeping pads should end about 2 inches below the knee when you're standing upright, not above it like batting pads. When crouching, the pad should not dig into the back of your knee. Measure from the centre of your kneecap to the top of your ankle, then match to the manufacturer's size chart. Junior pads fit inseam measurements of 10-14 inches; adult pads fit 14-18 inches.
How do I break in new keeping gloves?
New keeping gloves, especially SG models, arrive stiff. Wear them for 2-3 practice sessions before using them in a match. Apply a small amount of leather conditioner to the palm and webbing area — do NOT oil the webbing, as this softens the leather too much. Practice catching with a tennis ball for 30 minutes to mold the webbing to your hand shape. SG gloves typically take 3-4 sessions to fully break in.
What's the difference between SG RP 17 and SupaKeep gloves?
The RP 17 ($99.99) has deeper webbing, thicker palm padding, and reinforced finger stalls — built for keepers standing up to the stumps. The SupaKeep ($89.99) is lighter with a softer palm feel, better suited to standing back where the ball arrives with more pace. Both are high-quality; the choice comes down to whether you prioritise pocket depth (RP 17) or feel and weight (SupaKeep).
Do we ship keeping gear internationally from the US?
TopCricketStore ships keeping gear across the US with free shipping on orders over $100. We stock SG, Gray-Nicolls, and Kookaburra keeping equipment in our Edison, NJ warehouse — all available for immediate shipping. International shipping is available to select countries; contact us at 1-732-250-3598 for a quote.