Fastest Ball In Cricket History
Cricket is one of the most popular sports in the world, with millions of fans tuning in to watch matches and tournaments every year. One of the most exciting moments in any cricket match is when a bowler unleashes a fastball, hurtling toward the batsman at speeds that can reach over 150 kilometers per hour.
Over the years, many bowlers have set records for the fastest ball in cricket history, with some achieving speeds that seem almost impossible. In this article, we will explore the history of the fastest ball in cricket, examining the players who have set the record, the science behind the speed, and the impact of these fastballs on the game.
Table of Contents
The Evolution of Cricket Balls
Before we delve into the details of the fastest ball in cricket history, it’s important to understand the evolution of cricket balls. Cricket balls have gone through several changes over the years, with the first cricket balls believed to have been made of leather and stuffed with rags.
As the game evolved, the balls became harder and more durable, with the introduction of cork cores in the 19th century. The cork core was then covered in leather, which was stitched together in a distinctive pattern.
The Science of Fast Bowling
The fastest ball in cricket history is achieved through the art of fast bowling, which involves a combination of speed, accuracy, and strategy. Fast bowling is a high-risk, high-reward strategy, with bowlers aiming to generate as much pace as possible to intimidate the batsman and force errors.
The speed of a cricket ball is influenced by several factors, including the speed of the run-up, the biomechanics of the bowler, and the surface of the pitch.
Players Who Have Bowled Fastest Ball In Cricket History
the players who have bowled the fastest balls in cricket history.
Shoaib Akhtar
Shoaib Akhtar: Shoaib Akhtar, also known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” is widely regarded as the fastest bowler in cricket history. He recorded the fastest ball in international cricket history during the 2003 World Cup match against England, with a speed of 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph).
Brett Lee
Brett Lee: Brett Lee, the former Australian fast bowler, is another player who is known for his speed. He bowled the second-fastest ball in international cricket history during a match against New Zealand in 2005, with a speed of 161.1 km/h (100.04 mph).
Shaun Tait
Shaun Tait: Shaun Tait, another former Australian fast bowler, is known for his raw pace. He bowled the third-fastest ball in international cricket history during a match against England in 2010, with a speed of 161.0 km/h (100.03 mph).
Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc: Mitchell Starc, the current Australian fast bowler, has consistently bowled some of the fastest balls in international cricket in recent years. He recorded his fastest ball during a match against New Zealand in 2015, with a speed of 160.4 km/h (99.7 mph).
Andy Roberts
Andy Roberts: Andy Roberts, a former West Indian fast bowler, was known for his speed and aggression. He bowled one of the fastest balls in cricket history during a match against Australia in 1975, with a speed of around 159.5 km/h (99.13 mph).
Fidel Edwards
Fidel Edwards: Fidel Edwards, a former West Indian fast bowler, recorded a speed of 157.7 km/h (97.9 mph) during a match against South Africa in 2003, which is considered one of the fastest balls in cricket history.
Jeff Thomson
Jeff Thomson: Jeff Thomson, a former Australian fast bowler, was one of the fastest bowlers of his time. He bowled a ball that was estimated to be around 160.6 km/h (99.6 mph) during a match against West Indies in 1975.
Mohammad Sami
Mohammad Sami: Mohammad Sami, a former Pakistani fast bowler, recorded a speed of 156.4 km/h (97.1 mph) during a match against Zimbabwe in 2003, which is also considered one of the fastest balls in cricket history.
Shoaib Akhtar
Shoaib Akhtar (again): Shoaib Akhtar makes the list twice, as he also bowled a ball that was clocked at 160.7 km/h (100.23 mph) during a match against New Zealand in 2002, which is just slightly slower than his fastest ball in 2003.
These are some of the players who have bowled the fastest balls in cricket history. It is worth noting that measuring the exact speed of a cricket ball is not always easy, and different methods and devices can produce slightly different results.
FAQs
What is the fastest ball ever bowled in cricket history?
The fastest ball ever bowled in cricket history was 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph) by Shoaib Akhtar of Pakistan against England in a 2003 World Cup match held in Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa.
Who is the bowler with the fastest ball in cricket history?
Shoaib Akhtar of Pakistan holds the record for the fastest ball ever bowled in cricket history.
What type of delivery did Shoaib Akhtar bowl to achieve the fastest ball in cricket history?
Shoaib Akhtar bowled a delivery known as a “yorker” to achieve the fastest ball in cricket history.
Has any other bowler come close to breaking Shoaib Akhtar’s record?
Yes, several bowlers have come close to breaking Shoaib Akhtar’s record, including Brett Lee, Shaun Tait, and Mitchell Starc. However, as of now, no one has been able to surpass Shoaib Akhtar’s record.
In which match did Shoaib Akhtar bowl the fastest ball in cricket history?
Shoaib Akhtar bowled the fastest ball in cricket history during a 2003 World Cup match between Pakistan and England held in Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa.
How was the speed of Shoaib Akhtar’s delivery measured?
The speed of Shoaib Akhtar’s delivery was measured using a radar gun, which is a device used to measure the speed of a moving object.
