Stumping is one of the most crucial aspects of cricket that can change the course of the game in milliseconds. The term ‘stumping’ is also used to describe a mode of dismissal in the game. It comes into effect when a batter leaves the popping crease, and the wicketkeeper dislodges the break before the batter comes back to the crease. This is when a batsman is dismissed ‘stumped’ under the laws of cricket. Moving further in this blog, we will talk about the top 10 fastest stumping records in cricket by some of the best glovemen of the game.
Cricket has evolved over the years, and more advanced concepts are likely to happen with the motive of transforming the game completely. Wicket-keeping is considered one of the toughest jobs in cricket because the wicket-keeper is the only individual who has their own drill to contribute well on every delivery. The job of a wicket-keeper is harder than it may seem as they’re required to have immense strength in their lower body to have impeccable footwork to collect the ball.
The hardest job for a wicket-keeper is to keep wickets to spinners because they generate more spin, drift, and bounce which eventually gets tougher. Crouching and concentrating on every ball of the over, session, inning, and match makes wicket-keeping a painful and vigorous job. Furthermore, the traumatic nature of wicket-keeping also involves the high risk of finger and hand injuries.
Coming back to the focal point of the blog, let’s talk about some of the fastest stumping in cricket who spoofed and amazed the batters with their lightning speed.
To delve deeper into the thrilling world of cricket stumping and witness the lightning-fast reflexes of some of the greatest wicketkeepers in action, consider creating video compilation highlighting the top 10 fastest stumping records. Through expert analysis and captivating footage, viewers can gain a newfound appreciation for the skill and agility required in this pivotal aspect of the game.
The Top 10 Fastest Stumping in Cricket History
To surprise a batter, a wicket-keeper needs to be on his/her toes to collect the ball correctly. Sheer focus and great anticipation skills are the key elements for a wicket-keeper to make a quick movement and remove the bails. The former Indian Cricket Team Skipper, Mahendra Singh Dhoni is globally regarded as one of the greatest and fastest wicket keepers in the world. Well, this comes with no surprise as MS Dhoni has ruled for almost two decades being the best gloveman in all three formats.
So, the record for the top 10 fastest stumping in the world includes:
Position | Wicketkeeper | Team | Opposition batsman | Opposition team | Tournament | Year |
1 | MS Dhoni | India | Keemo Paul | West Indies | Bilateral series | 2018 |
2 | MS Dhoni | India | Mitchell Marsh | Australia | Bilateral series | 2012 |
3 | Ben Cox | Worcestershire | Callum MacLeod | Derbyshire | T20 Blast | 2018 |
4 | MS Dhoni | Chennai Super Kings | Shubman Gill | Gujarat Titans | Indian Premier League | 2023 |
5 | Brendon McCullum | New Zealand | Ricky Ponting | Australia | ICC World Cup | 2011 |
6 | Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | Jimmy Maher | Australia | VB series | 2003 |
7 | Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | Brian Lara | West Indies | Bilateral series | 2007 |
8 | Mark Boucher | South Africa | Marvan Atapattu | Sri Lanka | Bilateral series | 2006 |
9 | Adam Gilchrist | Australia | Craig McMillan | New Zealand | Bilateral series | 2005 |
10 | Bradley Barnes | South Africa | Saurabh Tiwary | India | U-19 World Cup | 2008 |
1. MS Dhoni against Keemo Paul:
MS Dhoni tops the list for the fastest stumping in cricket history without any surprise. He holds the record for the most stumpings (195) in international cricket. Being the role model for many youngsters, MS Dhoni has inspired wicket-keepers across nations. India was playing against West Indies in Mumbai in 2018 when MS created the record for the world’s fastest stumping. Keemo Paul was a debutant back then, and Dhoni just took 0.08 seconds to dismiss him. Yes, 0.08 seconds. The game is more special for the fans as Dhoni leads the team for the last time in his career.
2. Ben Cox against Callum MacLeod:
Ben Cox’s name in the list is nothing short of an accidental and bizarre removal of Callum MacLeod. One of the most unorthodox stumpings happened in Ed Barnard’s over. Ed bowled the first ball of the over, pitched it halfway on the wicket and angled it towards the batsman. MacLeod tried to dab it to the third-man to get an easy single but the ball hit Cox’s pad and bounced back to the stumps. As Callum MacLeod was slightly out of the crease, he was already stumped co-incidentally.
3. MS Dhoni against Shaun Marsh:
MS Dhoni is known for his remarkable instincts and strategic planning. However, he as a wicket-keeper has received praise from the legends of the game. His not-so-conventional keeping technique made him different yet effective from others. He’s currently number three on the list. India was touring Australia in 2012. Shaun Marsh was looking in good touch and attempted to step out of the crease. The ball was tracking down the leg-side and Marsh struggled to connect the bat with the ball. However, MS Dhoni collected the ball and dislodged the bails to register the world’s third-fastest stumping in the game.
4. Mark Boucher against Marvan Atapattu:
Mark Boucher is a former South African wicket-keeper batsman who comes in the list on the fourth position. South Africa was playing against Sri Lanka in 2016 when the cricketing world witnessed Boucher’s amazing foresight. Atapattu attempted a sweep shot and began the shouts for a caught behind. On the other hand, Marvan Atapattu lost track of the ball and left the crease unintentionally, only to get stumped by Boucher.
5. Brendon McCullum against Ricky Ponting:
Chasing a target of 207, Australia was off to a flying start with a 100-run partnership between Shane Watson and Brad Haddin. Once the partnership was broken, Punter took the stance and the New Zealand’s skipper handed the ball to their most experienced bowler. Ponting was struggling and that’s when McCullum walked up to the stumps in order to restrict the batter to gain a competitive advantage with his footwork.
Southee changed the angle and started bowling around the wicket and the strategy worked for the Kiwis. Southee bowled a leg-side wide and Ponting tried to flick the ball but failed, causing his feet to move out of the crease. McCullum collected the ball neatly and stumped Ponting to make his name among the fastest stumping in the game.
MS Dhoni, Ben Cox, Mark Boucher, and Brendon McCullum are the names of the wicket-keepers who hold the world’s fastest stumping records.
Read Also: Top 10 Best Wicket Keeper in The World [Ranking 2023]