Taibu The Best Wicketkeeper?

[Conant]

I have been following the cricket series in West Indies with interest and, being extensively involved in sports now, haven’t been able to avoid the inevitable debate of various sports man, who is the best batsman, best bowler, best wicketkeeper in the world, etc.

And in the last few days I have been voraciously in argument with my South African colleagues on the merits of Mark Boucher vis a vis Tatenda Taibu, which ended with me labelling Boucher as the "clumsiest wicketkeeper" I have ever seen.

Any way this has been prompted by an article today on cricinfo that talks about "wicketkeeper magicians". http://blogs.cricinfo.com/thelonghandle ... riller.php

"But the best fielder wore red. Tatenda Taibu reminds me of the days when wicketkeepers were magicians. Ball beating bat and bails being removed seems to happen instantaneously, with the little keeper shrieking his celebration from short mid-on before the spectator realises what has happened."

Granted Taibu was himself clumsy the last two games, missing two easy stampings of which I'm very furious about, but right now, I can’t help but feeling a bit smug.

I will be showing this to my colleagues.

What do you think? Do contribute

[aydee]

Keepers as short as Taibu always seem to look like they've got quicker hands... However, it's not about aesthetics, it's all about consistency, and I think plenty of keepers would have managed that crucial stumping off Gayle in the last game. That said, Taibu's keeping is of genuine world quality, and therefore one of the best things about the Zim team at the moment.

[jamthala]

it is 50-50

[CrimsonAvenger]

Taibu certainly is one of the best when it comes to classic wicket keeping skills, there is no doubt about that. It would be interesting to see how he progresses as Cremer develops more variations in his armory. How he keeps to him (a talented leg spinner, in general) in the coming years will have a huge impact on how his keeping skills are viewed.

Boucher never had to face tricky spinners, whereas Healy excelled while keeping to Warne. Indian keepers struggled to maintain acceptable levels of standards ever so often against Kumble. So, keeping to Utseya and Price is certainly easier compared to Cremer and Maruma. He has natural keeper's skills against the pacers, though.

But post Gilchrist, the way cricketing world sees the role of a wicket keeper has changed forever. In that context too, Taibu qualifies as a solid batsman, but not an explosive one, as are most present day keepers.

In any case, Taibu is one of the best today, but the cricketing world today unfortunately sees all the keepers from Gilly-Dhoni-tinted glasses.

[Mike]

I've been impressed with him especially his batting. I've always known that he is one of your best batsmen, but the way he finds singles and how he always wants that extra single (and often gets them) has really impressed me!

[Conant]

When asked who was the best in 2004, Ian Healy said it had to be between Taibu and Ghilchrist