THE GOOGLY: WICKETKEEPER WONDER AS KNOTT HAS EVERYONE IN STITCHES

FOLLOW HUW TURBERVILL @HUWZAT

Try keeping us away! That was the message from a staggering line-up of world-class stumpers on Tuesday night.

The Lord's Taverners held a wicketkeepers extravaganza at the Hilton in Park Lane, London.

Eccentric, hard-nosed, humble, lovably cocky, the glovemen were there in force and it was an incredible occasion.

Kent and England's Alan Knott was the star. The 70-year-old now lives in Cyprus and does not crave the limelight, but he spoke humorously.

He told a great story about how Middlesex's Wayne Daniel bowled him a bouncer, then asked him if he could play in his benefit in September. "Let me think about it," replied Knott. Next ball was another bouncer. "I have thought about it. Put me down!" Knott shot back.

Apparently his favourite after-play tipple was a pint of sherry and lemonade. He would drink the lemonade and leave the alcoholic element that had sunk to the bottom.

Despite his reputation for quirky, innovative strokeplay, it was also interesting to hear he only used a 2lbs 2oz bat.

His old Ashes rival Rod Marsh was on laconic form. He brought the house down when he claimed: "I said very little on the field. We were the first [generation] with microphones, don't forget, and you had to say something to someone!"

His compatriot Ian Healy paid tribute to his partner in crime, Shane Warne. "Without him I wouldn't be here. He was so confident and had so much energy. Bowling leg-spin in Tests is the most thankless task, trying to bowl it out of the back of the hand and having to fool the batsmen."

On the 'ball of the century' in 1993, Healy spoke directly to Mike Gatting, who was sitting close to the stage.

"The ball swung in, then spun, and your bat came down a bit late, and you could have got your pad out a bit further..." As if Gatt had never thought of that!

Deryck Murray was most amusing. He claimed he was the best leg-spinner West Indies had ever produced, and said he had only started keeping as he did not want to embarrass the batsmen!

He picked out Andy Roberts as something special. "He was a top-class paceman with the guile of a spin bowler."

Asked if he ever felt sorry for the beleaguered batsmen enduring a barrage from the Caribbean pace battery, he said: "I had to face them myself in the Red Stripe or Shell Shield, so no!"

Among the audience of 800, I counted 25 top-class keepers. Also there was Bob Willis, Derek Underwood, Sam Northeast and other non-keepers. It was quite a catch for the Lord's Taverners!