Top 5 individual run-outs effected by wicket-keepers

Wicket-keeping is one of the most arduous tasks in the game of cricket, as it demands extreme fitness and concentration levels. A good wicket-keeper is a valuable asset to any team, as he is almost involved in every proceeding of the game from encouraging the fellow mates to chirping in the ears of the batsmen.

While keepers were just mere spectators with the bat during the early 80s, the arrival of Adam Gilchrist on the International stage changed the entire complexion of the game. Today, keepers all over the world are able batsmen, who could be match-winners with the bat on their day.

Wicket-keepers are often involved in run-outs, altering game situations completely. Let us take a look at some individual brilliance by the keepers, who effected run-outs out of nothing.

---

#5 Kiran More

Kiran More was India's best wicket-keeper for more than a decade, as he was always quick on his feet and alert to the situation. More is widely remembered for his stand-off with former Pakistan skipper Javed Miandad, prompting him to jump up and down hilariously.

During India's tour of England in 1990, More was in the thick of things once again. After collecting a wayward throw from Mohhamed Azharuddin, More, quickly sensing that the non-striker David Gower was out of his ground, threw down the sticks at the other end. This display of alertness from More was highly commendable.

Note : More also inflicted a brilliant run-out of Martin Crowe in Dunedin, when he threw the ball onto the stumps without even looking!

#4 Ian Healy

One of the best wicket-keepers that Australia have ever produced, Ian Healy effected 628 dismissals across formats. He was a firebrand behind the stumps, often sledging the batsmen incessantly.

During the 1993 Test match against West Indies at Perth, Healy pulled off an incredible run-out to dismiss Curtly Ambrose. As the ball spooned off his pads, Healy collected the ball mid air and threw it onto the stumps instantly.

What was more remarkable was the fact that he was blindsided and even as Ambrose had grounded his bat, it stuck on the crease making it a remarkable run-out.

#3 MS Dhoni

Mahendra Singh Dhoni has to be one of the most unorthodox keepers in the game, as he has a unique technique behind the stumps. He is India's most successful wicket-keeper across all formats, effecting 757 dismissals in his long career. He holds the record for most stumpings in International matches

Dhoni was at his brilliant best during the 2005 tour against England, as he was in good form with both bat and the gloves.

During the one-day series, he brilliantly ran out Paul Collingwood off Yuvraj Singh's bowling.

As the batsman ran down a few yards after tapping the ball onto the on-side, Dhoni quickly retrieved the ball and threw down the stumps in one motion, making it a remarkable piece of fielding.

#2 Mark Boucher

Arguably the greatest wicket-keeper ever, Mark Boucher hardly let a ball go through, and he has a world record 998 dismissals in International cricket. Boucher was a capable batsman too, often chipping in with vital runs.

During Sri Lanka's tour of South Africa in 2001, Boucher proved why he is such a wily customer behind the stumps. As a ball lobbed up off Marvan Attapattu's pads, Boucher started appealing for the LBW along with the bowler, Johan Botha.

But once the batsman left the crease searching for the ball, an alert Boucher threw down the bails, catching him out of his crease. It was a case of brilliant presence of mind and quick reflexes.

#1 Matthew Wade

Matthew Wade has been an under-performer for Australia , as he has not done great justice to his talent. He was also overlooked for the current Ashes squad, replaced by Tim Paine.

During a match against New South Wales in Australia's domestic one day competition, Wade produced a moment of magic, as he ran out Nic Maddinson.

Wade dove full length, collected the ball and threw down the sticks, all in one motion. He was also not well balanced while throwing the ball, making the attempt even more special. This has to be the best individual effort by a wicket-keeper in the game.