England and Leicestershire Paul Nixon

Wicket keepers have a reputation for being fairly eccentric and always touching and playing with their kit. Depending on the standard that you play at, a wicket keeper can be in his kit for hours on end. As Paul “Nico” Nixon explains comfort is everything.

“Over the last 24 years my kit, especially my wicket keeping gloves and pads, have to fit perfectly.

The pads have to be slim fit, ankle hugging and out of the way. They have to be light yet strong enough if I get hit on them to give me the necessary protection. The arch has to be quite big so they fit low on my foot instead of feeling cumbersome sitting high on the shin.

Wicket keeping gloves should be slightly big, not tight, as you want the cricket ball to feel like a golf ball in your normal hand.

A straight cut from the little finger to the wrist is also important.

I prefer the old gloves with padding NOT gel. Gel springs back to the way it was made, it doesn't mould to your individual hands unlike the traditional padding does.”