Stumping is one of the most skill-intensive dismissals in Test cricket. It demands sharp reflexes, perfect coordination with spinners, and instant decision-making. While modern Test cricket offers fewer chances due to cautious batting and limited spin bowling, earlier eras saw wicketkeepers create history with multiple stumpings in a single match.
Here is a complete and updated look at the most stumpings by a wicketkeeper in a Test match, covering both innings combined, followed by a detailed explanation of the top five record holders.
Most Stumpings by a Wicketkeeper in a Test Match – Top 10
| Rank | Stumpings | Wicketkeeper | Country | Match Date | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | Kiran Shankar More | India | 11 Jan 1988 | West Indies | Chennai |
| 2 | 5 | Prabir Sen | India | 6 Feb 1952 | England | Chennai |
| 3 | 4 | J.M. Blackham | Australia | 16 Jul 1888 | England | Lord’s |
| 4 | 4 | A.H. Jarvis | Australia | 1 Feb 1895 | England | Sydney |
| 5 | 4 | Bert Oldfield | Australia | 13 Feb 1925 | England | Melbourne |
| 6 | 4 | Bert Oldfield | Australia | 27 Feb 1925 | England | Sydney |
| 7 | 4 | Bert Oldfield | Australia | 12 Dec 1930 | West Indies | Adelaide |
| 8 | 4 | R.A. Saggers | Australia | 3 Mar 1950 | South Africa | Port Elizabeth |
| 9 | 4 | G.R.A. Langley | Australia | 9 Nov 1951 | West Indies | Brisbane |
| 10 | 4 | V. Rajindernath | India | 13 Nov 1952 | Pakistan | Mumbai |
1. Kiran Shankar More – 6 Stumpings (World Record)
India’s former wicketkeeper Kiran More holds the all-time Test record for most stumpings in a single match. During the 1988 Chennai Test vs West Indies, More worked brilliantly with India’s spinners on a turning Chepauk pitch.
His lightning footwork and clean glove work repeatedly caught West Indian batters out of their crease. This match remains the gold standard for wicketkeeping against spin in Test cricket.
2. Prabir Sen – 5 Stumpings
In the 1952 Chennai Test against England, Prabir Sen delivered a classic keeping performance. On a pitch that heavily assisted spin, Sen punished English batters who stepped out too often.
This remains the second-highest stumpings count in a Test match and highlights India’s long-standing spin-wicketkeeping tradition.
Also see: Top 10 Fastest to 1000 Test Runs
3. J.M. Blackham – 4 Stumpings
Often called the “Father of Wicketkeeping”, Australia’s Jack Blackham set early standards for the role. In the 1888 Lord’s Test, he recorded four stumpings—an extraordinary feat for cricket’s early years when equipment and techniques were still developing.
His record stood as a benchmark for decades.
4. A.H. Jarvis – 4 Stumpings
Arthur Jarvis achieved four stumpings during the 1895 Sydney Test vs England. Playing in the formative years of Test cricket, Jarvis showed exceptional anticipation and speed, helping Australia dominate on home soil.
5. Bert Oldfield – 4 Stumpings (Three Times)
Legendary Australian wicketkeeper Bert Oldfield appears three times in the top list. Between 1925 and 1930, he recorded four stumpings in three different Test matches.
Oldfield remains the most successful wicketkeeper in Test cricket history in terms of total stumpings (52). His understanding with spinners and fearless technique made him a true pioneer.
Also see: Top 10 Lowest Total Defended in ODI Cricket History
The list of most stumpings by a wicketkeeper in Test cricket is a reminder of how different the game once was. These performances required not just skill, but perfect harmony between keeper and spinner.
