Substitute wicketkeeper Imrul Kayes sets world record

Imrul Kayes has signed into the record books with a surprising feat behind the stumps for Bangladesh in the Wellington Test against New Zealand.

Better known as an opening batsman, Imrul was a substitute wicketkeeper, standing in place for an injured Mushfiqur Rahim in New Zealand’s first innings.

But he showed superb prowess to take five catches to become the first substitute wicketkeeper to do so in a Test match.

He also matched the highest wicketkeeping dismissals for Bangladesh. Mushfiqur was involved in five dismissals twice – against India in Mirpur, 2010 and against Sri Lanka in Colombo, 2013.

The 29-year-old Imrul began with the catches of New Zealand opener Jeet Raval and skipper Kane Williamson on the first day.

On the fourth day, he caught Colin de Grandhomme out before safely holding on to an extraordinary catch to pick out BJ Watling.

It was a poor delivery from Mahmudullah, the ball drifting way down the leg side, but it caught a slim edge of the top of the blade. Imrul anticipated superbly and had it in his gloves in a flash.

Black Caps tailender Neil Wagner was his fifth scalp as his dismissal helped Bangladesh bowl the hosts out for 539 and take a 56-run lead. It was the first time the Tigers took a lead in New Zealand.

Imrul also stood behind the wickets for 120 overs against Pakistan in 2015 but had no dismissals to show for it.