Wicket-keeper's gloves have an anterior surface designed for catching the ball, while offering protection to fingers and the palms of the hands from painful impact.
[citation needed] The Laws of Cricket as set by Marylebone Cricket Club dictate the specifications for wicket-keeper's gloves in Law 27.2: "27.2.1: If ... the wicket-keeper wears gloves, they shall have no webbing between the fingers except joining index finger and thumb, where webbing may be inserted as a means of support.
"[1] In 2008, Mahendra Singh Dhoni was instructed by the match referee in an Australia-India game at the Sydney Cricket Ground to change his wicket-keeper's gloves, which were deemed to be in violation of the specifications.
Alan Knott, the legendary England wicket-keeper, is known to have worn his gloves in the evening at home to keep them supple.
Jack Russell, yet another notable English keeper, allegedly slept with his gloves underneath his pillow.