Introduction
The cricketing world has always been in awe of express fast bowlers who can consistently touch breathtaking speeds. These speed merchants possess the uncanny ability to make the cricket ball do the talking, and their rapid deliveries have often left batsmen struggling to react in time. Among these speed demons, a few names stand out for their extraordinary pace. Let’s delve into the history of the Fastest Bowlers in World and also take a look at the current speedsters who are continuing the legacy.
Record-Breakers of the Past
1. Jeff Thomson – 160.45 Kph
Jeff Thomson, the Australian speedster, is often regarded as one of the fastest bowlers in the history of the game. His ability to consistently breach the 160 kph barrier made him a nightmare for batsmen in the 1970s.
2. Andy Roberts – 159.49 Kph
Andy Roberts from the West Indies was another pace sensation. He consistently bowled at speeds exceeding 150 kph and was a key part of the famed West Indies pace quartet.
3. Michael Holding – 150.67 Kph
Michael Holding, known as “Whispering Death,” was a West Indian speed merchant. He touched 150 kph at the tender age of 22, and his smooth run-up and high-arm action made him a sight to behold.
4. Dennis Lillee – 148.54 Kph
Dennis Lillee, an Australian cricket legend, consistently bowled at great speeds. His fiery spells terrorized batsmen, and he is considered one of the all-time great fast bowlers.
Current Speed Demons
1. Mitchell Starc – 160.4 Kph (Left Arm)
Mitchell Starc, the Australian left-arm fast bowler, stands tall as one of the fastest bowlers in contemporary cricket. His lightning-fast delivery of 160.4 kph came during a match against New Zealand on 10th June 2017. Starc’s ability to generate immense pace and his ability to move the ball make him a formidable force.
2. Wahab Riaz – 149.6 Kph (Left Arm)
Wahab Riaz, a left-arm pacer from Pakistan, consistently touches high speeds. He recorded a delivery speed of 149.6 kph during the Champions Trophy on 4th June 2015. Wahab’s express pace has troubled many top-order batsmen.
3. Pat Cummins – 149.2 Kph (Right Arm)
Pat Cummins, the Australian right-arm fast bowler, has earned a reputation for his pace and accuracy. He recorded a delivery speed of 149.2 kph during a Champions Trophy match between England and Australia on 1st February 2017. Cummins, a true speed merchant, demonstrates the ability to extract bounce from the pitch.
4. Tymal Mills – 149.0 Kph (Left Arm)
Tymal Mills, an English left-arm quick, consistently bowls at high speeds. His delivery speed of 149.0 kph was witnessed during the 3rd T20I between India and England on 10th June 2017. Mills’ ability to bowl express pace has made him a sought-after player in T20 leagues around the world.
5. Shannon Gabriel – 148.2 Kph (Right Arm)
Shannon Gabriel, a West Indian right-arm fast bowler, is known for his raw pace. He clocked a delivery at 148.2 kph during the 3rd Test between West Indies and Pakistan on 10th May 2017. Gabriel’s intimidating speed and ability to generate bounce have troubled many batsmen.
6. Jasprit Bumrah – 148.1 Kph (Right Arm)
Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian right-arm fast bowler, consistently bowls at express pace. His delivery speed of 148.1 kph was recorded during the Champions Trophy Final on 18th June 2017. Bumrah’s unorthodox action and ability to deliver accurate yorkers make him a valuable asset for India.
Read More :
Conclusion : Fastest Bowlers in World
These current fast bowlers have not only embraced the legacy of speed in cricket but have also taken it to new heights. They are relentless in their pursuit of speed, consistently breaching the 150 kph mark, and their ability to generate pace, swing, and accuracy makes them formidable adversaries for batsmen around the world. In the age of T20 cricket and fast-paced action, these speed demons continue to capture the imagination of fans and add an electrifying dimension to the gentleman’s game.
