Can A Cricket Team Change Their Wicket Keeper During A Game?

[RSDonovan]

For example could player A switch with player B, both players being named in the teams and staying on the field for the duration of the match? The replacement is an outfielder and the previous wicket keeper takes his place?

Are there any restrictions on the number of switches that can be made, and are there restrictions on when these can occur (ie only between innings, at breaks, etc.?

I have read the Laws and it doesn’t seem to cover this point.

Thanks in advance

[spathiphyllum]

"Can A Cricket Team Change Their Wicket Keeper During A Game?"

Yes.

[spathiphyllum]

Much like a goal keeper can change places with a member on the pitch in a football match.

Not sure on the ins and outs regarding restrictions though.

[spathiphyllum]

The replacement HAS to be "in field" though. The replacement cant be on the bench.

[dannyk13]

I have seen a wicket keeper exchanged for a fielder between overs.

[spathiphyllum]

There would be some restriction regarding match flow though.. IE, constantly swapping pads and helmet etc.. (i think a helmet should be worn personally, but it's subjective)

But it is legal.

[bhg481]

I don't know for sure, but I can't see why not. The wicketkeeper has no special priviledges, only special kit. A goalkeeper is allowed to handle the ball and must wear different strip to make this easily recognisable to the referee. so needs permission to change places with another player.

[RSDonovan]

I’m surprised that the Laws don’t make it clear!

[spathiphyllum]

Yes, it is an odd one.

In professional level cricket changing your wicket keeper would be a rare thing to happen.

At lower level cricket i can see it happening a fair bit more.

[jno]

yes. Sometimes you have practice matches where everyone has a bowl, even the keeper. And for injury, of course. I remember England once recalled Bob Taylor, who was working in the marquee for a tobacco company at the time

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/jul/25/bob-taylor-unexpected-england-comeback

As that story notes, they did change the rules after that so a replacement had to be someone actually in the team.

[MWG14]

I seem to remember Jack Russell of Gloucestershire & England once taking the wicket of Allan Lamb of Northamptonshire & England.