Top 10 Fastest Bowlers In The World Of Cricket
Being a cricket fan is all about enjoying those times when fast bowlers show their skills on the field. It’s thrilling to watch a fast bowler in action, scaring batsmen with their quick and accurate deliveries. Let’s walk down memory lane and look back at the top 10 fastest bowlers in the history of cricket.
Shoaib Akhtar – Pakistan
Remember the thunderous deliveries of Shoaib Akhtar? The “Rawalpindi Express” rightfully holds the title of the fastest bowler in cricket history. His record-breaking feat against England in the 2003 Cricket World Cup, with a searing speed of 161.3 km/h, is etched in our memories. Throughout his career spanning from 1997 to 2011, Akhtar’s fiery pace earned him 178 Test wickets and 247 wickets in ODIs.
Brett Lee – Australia
Brett Lee, the Aussie speedster, was a nightmare for batsmen. His fastest delivery of 161.1 km/h, unleashed against New Zealand in 2005, showcased his sheer pace and aggression. Lee played a pivotal role in Australia’s World Cup victories in 2003 and 2007, leaving an indelible mark on cricket history. With 310 Test wickets and 280 ODI wickets, Lee’s contribution to the game is undeniable.
Shaun Tait – Australia
Another Aussie prodigy, Shaun Tait, made batsmen hop with his express pace. His delivery at 161.1 km/h against England cements his place among the fastest bowlers in cricket history. Tait’s ODI career from 2005 to 2016 witnessed 62 wickets, and his rapid bowling style left fans in awe.
Jeff Thomson – Australia
Australia seems to have a knack for producing fast bowlers, and Jeff Thomson is no exception. His thunderbolts at 160.6 km/h haunted batsmen from 1972 to 1985. Thomson’s legacy includes 200 Test wickets and 55 ODI wickets, earning him a well-deserved place in the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame.
Mitchell Starc – Australia
Mitchell Starc, the left-arm paceman, continued Australia’s tradition of producing lethal fast bowlers. Since his debut in 2010, Starc has scalped 244 Test wickets and 178 ODI wickets. His fastest delivery, clocking at 160.4 km/h, showcases his ability to trouble batsmen consistently with both pace and swing.
Andy Roberts – West Indies
Sir Andy Roberts, the West Indian maestro, delivered bouncers that kept batsmen on their toes. With 202 Test wickets and 87 ODI wickets, Roberts’ mastery of pace and skill made him a true legend of West Indies cricket.
Fidel Edwards – West Indies
Fidel Edwards, another West Indian speed demon, showcased his raw pace with a fastest delivery of 157.7 km/h against South Africa in 2003. During his career, Edwards claimed 165 Test wickets and 60 ODI wickets, leaving a lasting impact with his express pace.
Mitchell Johnson – Australia
Mitchell Johnson’s left-arm thunderbolts added a new dimension to Australia’s bowling attack. His fastest delivery, clocking at 156.8 km/h against England in 2013, exemplifies his ability to unsettle batsmen with sheer speed and hostility. With 313 Test wickets and 239 ODI wickets, Johnson’s intimidating presence made him a nightmare for opposition batsmen.
Mohammad Sami – India
Mohammad Sami, a contemporary of Shoaib Akhtar, showcased glimpses of his raw pace throughout his career. His fastest delivery of 156.4 km/h against Zimbabwe in 2003 highlighted his potential as a genuine speedster. Sami’s knack for taking crucial wickets earned him 85 Test wickets, 121 ODI wickets, and 21 T20I wickets for India.
Shane Bond – New Zealand
Despite injury woes, Shane Bond of New Zealand unleashed thunderbolts that left batsmen scrambling for survival. His fastest delivery of 156.4 km/h during the 2003 World Cup showcased his immense talent and potential. Bond managed to claim 87 Test wickets, 147 ODI wickets, and 25 T20I wickets for New Zealand.
Fastest Bowlers in India
India, traditionally renowned for its batting prowess, has quietly cultivated a formidable lineup of fast bowlers. In recent years, a surge of pace sensations has emerged, reshaping the narrative. Let’s delve into the exciting world of India’s fastest bowlers and their impact on the game.
1. Umran Malik – 157 km/h
Have you heard about Umran Malik? This guy from Jammu and Kashmir is a beast! He made a splash in the IPL, consistently hitting speeds over 150 km/h. And get this – in 2022, he bowled a thunderous 157 km/h against Delhi Capitals, making him India’s fastest bowler. Watch out world, Umran is on the rise!
2. Irfan Pathan – 153.7 km/h
Remember Irfan Pathan? The swing master who rocked the 2007 T20 World Cup? Well, he’s our second-fastest bowler, hitting a whopping 153.7 km/h. That memorable hat-trick against Pakistan? Yeah, that was him showing off his pace and precision.
3. Mohammad Shami – 153.3 km/h
Now, let’s talk about the modern-day pace sensation, Mohammad Shami. This guy’s got it all – pace, swing, accuracy. After a bit of a dip, he’s back, focusing on line and length. In 2014, he clocked 153.3 km/h against Australia, proving he’s a force to be reckoned with.
4. Jasprit Bumrah – 153.26 km/h
Jasprit Bumrah – the guy with the funky action! At just 29, he’s already a fast-bowling sensation. In 2018, during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, he hit 153.26 km/h. Plus, those pinpoint yorkers make him a nightmare for batsmen.
5. Navdeep Saini – 152.8 km/h
Last but not least, Navdeep Saini. Remember his stint with Royal Challengers Bangalore? The guy bowls some serious yorkers. In 2019, he hit 152.8 km/h against Mumbai Indians. Although injuries slowed him down a bit, he’s one to watch when he’s on his game.
Conclusion
Reliving cricket’s most electrifying moments, from the thunderous era of Shoaib Akhtar to the modern brilliance of Jasprit Bumrah, these speed demons have etched their names in history. As we celebrate their legacy, India’s rising stars like Umran Malik signify a new era of pace. The thrill of fast bowling continues to captivate cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
FAQ’s ?
Who is the fastest bowler in cricket history?
Shoaib Akhtar holds the record with a speed of 161.3 km/h against England in the 2003 Cricket World Cup.
Who is known for unorthodox brilliance in fast bowling?
Jasprit Bumrah hit a speed of 153.26 km/h against Australia in the 2018 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Are there any upcoming fast-bowling talents in India?
Yes, Umran Malik is gaining attention as a rising star, hitting speeds consistently over 150 km/h and making waves in the IPL.
Which left-arm paceman is in the top 10?
Mitchell Starc, the left-arm Australian paceman, made the list with a fastest delivery of 160.4 km/h.