'Safe pair of hands' - origin

The given meaning of safe pair of hands in Phrase Finder ('A reliable, if somewhat dull, person who can be entrusted not to make a mistake with a task.')seems ok, but not the origin.

The origin is from UK, sure, but comes from the game of cricket where this phrase is most often used. It refers to a fielder or wicket-keeper who rarely drops a catch.

The Phrase finder origin for 'safe pair of hands' (UK origin. Applied to politicians or diplomats who were given sensitive work that required careful handling. ) does not appear correct.