Niall O'Brien of Northants and Ireland. Photo courtesy of Joe Curtis.

"My Top 10 Keepers are:

10. Geraint Jones (England 2004-2006) - a good friend of mine from my days at Kent. Geraint is a very good wicketkeeper with an eye for the spectacular

9. James Foster (England 2001 - present) superb keeper, especially when standing up to pace or spin Top hands!

8. Chris Read (England 1999 -2007) - a brilliant wicket keeper. Makes it look easy

7. Jeff Dujon (West Indies 1981-1991) - really good keeper for the Windies at a time when you had to be because their bowling attack was so good

6. Mark Boucher (South Africa, 1997- present) - excellent all-round keeper. Has not been tested by spin that much in his career but very safe behind the stumps Very good batsman also

5. Alan Knott (England 1967-1981) - could easily be my number 1 and many think he should be but not having seen much of him I put him at 5. During my time at Kent it was a very big thing to be the wicket keeper as there was such a great tradition because of him and many others

4. Rod Marsh (Australia 1970-1984) - superb record and had a great partnership with Dennis Lillee

3. Adam Gilchrist (Australia 1996 - 2008) - very athletic wicket keeper who has the ability to take great catches. Has also re-invented the way keepers must bat

2. Ian Healy (Australia 1988-1999) - brilliant wicket keeping to Warne

1.  Jack Russell (England 1987-1998) - just amazing up to the stumps  

 Niall." 


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