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Cricket has witnessed many legendary bowlers who have mesmerized fans with their raw pace and deadly accuracy. The quest for speed has led to some bowlers reaching the pinnacle of fast bowling, creating records that stand the test of time. In this article, we pay tribute to the top 10 fastest bowlers in cricket history, including the world’s fastest bowler. These speed demons have showcased their prowess in various competitions, delivering balls that shattered stumps and left batsmen awestruck. Let’s take a thrilling journey through their incredible achievements, country representations, memorable encounters, and the unforgettable years they etched their names in cricketing folklore.
Top 10 Fastest Bowlers in Cricket History
Below is the list of the top 10 fastest bowlers in cricket history, showcasing their fastest deliveries, countries they represented, opponents they faced, and the remarkable years they set new benchmarks.
| Bowler | Fastest Delivery | Country | Against | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shoaib Akhtar | 161.3 km/h (100.2 mph) | Pakistan | England | 2003 |
| Shaun Tait | 161.1 km/h (100.1 mph) | Australia | England | 2005 |
| Brett Lee | 160.8 km/h (99.9 mph) | Australia | South Africa | 2003 |
| Jeff Thomson | 160.6 km/h (99.8 mph) | Australia | England | 1979 |
| Mitchell Starc | 160.4 km/h (99.7 mph) | Australia | New Zealand | 2015 |
| Andy Roberts | 159.5 km/h (99.1 mph) | West Indies | England | 1976 |
| Fidel Edwards | 157.7 km/h (97.9 mph) | West Indies | England | 2003 |
| Mitchell Johnson | 156.8 km/h (97.4 mph) | Australia | England | 2008 |
| Mohammad Sami | 156.4 km/h (97.1 mph) | Pakistan | Sri Lanka | 2002 |
| Shane Bond | 156.4 km/h (97.1 mph) | New Zealand | Australia | 2003 |
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Shoaib Akhtar – World’s Fastest Bowler
The speedster from Pakistan, Shoaib Akhtar, earned the nickname “Rawalpindi Express” for his ferocious pace and fiery deliveries. In 2003, during a match against England, Shoaib shattered the record with a blistering 161.3 km/h (100.2 mph) delivery, becoming not only the fastest bowler in cricket history but also the world’s fastest bowler. Hailing from Rawalpindi, Pakistan, he terrorized batsmen with his thunderous pace and aggressive style of bowling.
Shaun Tait – The Wild Thing
Australia’s Shaun Tait was another bowler who consistently clocked fearsome speeds. Known as the “Wild Thing,” Tait reached a stunning 161.1 km/h (100.1 mph) in 2005, making him one of the fastest bowlers in the game. His unique slingy action added an element of surprise to his deliveries, making him a formidable opponent.
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Brett Lee – The Pace Ace
Brett Lee, the “Pace Ace” of Australian cricket, was an epitome of raw speed and control. In 2003, during a match against South Africa, he unleashed a missile at 160.8 km/h (99.9 mph), cementing his place among the fastest bowlers. Lee’s aggressive approach and toe-crushing yorkers made him a nightmare for batsmen worldwide.
Jeff Thomson – The Thommo
Jeff Thomson, an Australian fast bowling legend, made waves in 1979 when he recorded a jaw-dropping 160.6 km/h (99.8 mph) delivery against England. Known for his slingshot action and searing pace, he formed a deadly bowling partnership with Dennis Lillee that wreaked havoc on opposition batting line-ups.
Mitchell Starc – The Left-Arm Thunderbolt
The left-arm pace sensation from Australia, Mitchell Starc, became a force to be reckoned with in 2015 when he bowled at an incredible 160.4 km/h (99.7 mph) against New Zealand. Starc’s ability to swing the ball at high speeds and deliver yorkers with precision makes him a modern-day fast bowling marvel.
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Andy Roberts – The Caribbean Hurricane
Andy Roberts, the first West Indian to cross the 159 km/h barrier, was dubbed the “Caribbean Hurricane” for his explosive pace. His fiery spells and ability to extract bounce from any surface made him a formidable opponent, as witnessed in his 159.5 km/h (99.1 mph) delivery against England in 1976.
Fidel Edwards – The Bajan Bullet
Fidel Edwards, the “Bajan Bullet” from the West Indies, was known for his raw pace and the ability to generate steep bounce. In 2003, during a match against England, he clocked an impressive 157.7 km/h (97.9 mph). Edwards’ ability to produce unplayable deliveries made him a fan favorite.
Mitchell Johnson – The Moustached Menace
The menacing mustache and thunderous pace defined Mitchell Johnson’s career. Representing Australia, he struck fear into the hearts of batsmen, achieving a top speed of 156.8 km/h (97.4 mph) against England in 2008. Johnson’s ability to move the ball both ways made him a complete fast bowler.
Mohammad Sami – The Pakistani Speedster
Mohammad Sami’s ferocious pace earned him a place among the fastest bowlers in cricket history. In 2002, he clocked 156.4 km/h (97.1 mph) during a match against Sri Lanka, showcasing his raw talent and potential. Sami’s quick arm action and toe-crushing Yorkers made him a dangerous proposition.
Shane Bond – A World-Class Speedster
Shane Bond, New Zealand’s “Kiwi Express,” exhibited remarkable speed during his career. In 2003, he bowled at 156.4 km/h (97.1 mph) against Australia, showcasing his prowess as a world-class speedster. Bond’s ability to generate extreme pace, combined with his accuracy, made him a nightmare for batsmen to face.
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FAQs About Fastest Bowler in World
Who is considered the world’s fastest bowler in cricket history?
Shoaib Akhtar from Pakistan holds the title of the world’s fastest bowler in cricket history, recording a blistering delivery of 161.3 km/h (100.2 mph) against England in 2003.
How many bowlers have crossed the 160 km/h mark in cricket history?
Only three bowlers have crossed the 160 km/h mark in cricket history: Shoaib Akhtar, Shaun Tait, and Brett Lee.
Who are some of the famous batsmen who faced the fastest bowlers?
Legendary batsmen like Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Ricky Ponting, and Kevin Pietersen faced the thunderous deliveries of the fastest bowlers in cricket history.
Are any of these fastest bowlers still active in international cricket?
As of now, Mitchell Starc from Australia is the only bowler on the list who is still actively playing international cricket.
Have there been any other notable fast bowlers in recent years?
In recent years, bowlers like Kagiso Rabada (South Africa), Jasprit Bumrah (India), and Jofra Archer (England) have impressed with their raw pace and have become prominent figures in the fast bowling department.
How did the term “fastest bowler” come into prominence in cricket?
The term “fastest bowler” became prominent as cricket evolved, and the need for speed and aggression in bowling gained recognition. Over the years, radar technology and speed guns were introduced, making it easier to measure the pace of bowlers accurately.
