Top Fastest Bowlers in Cricket History of All Time

Bowling very fast is not always easy. If a bowler does not bowl accurately, his speed can become useless. This can lead to expensive overs, like we sometimes see in the IPL where many runs are scored quickly.

Even then, fast bowling is still one of the strongest weapons in cricket. A fast bowler can change a match with just a few good overs.

In this article, we will understand what fast bowling is and learn about the 8 fastest bowlers in cricket history who became famous for their extreme speed.

What Is Fast Bowling in Cricket?

Fast bowling means bowling the ball at a very high speed. Usually, a bowler is called a fast bowler when he bowls above 140 km/h. Bowlers who bowl at this speed regularly are known as genuine fast bowlers.

When a bowler bowls faster than 150 km/h, it is called extreme pace. Very few bowlers in cricket history have been able to bowl this fast. Such speed makes it very difficult for batsmen to play shots.

Fast bowling is not only about speed. A fast bowler also needs:

• Good rhythm

• Proper accuracy

• Extra bounce

• Movement in the air or off the pitch

All these skills help a fast bowler trouble batsmen again and again.

Match conditions are also important. Some cricket stadiums have hard pitches that give extra bounce and pace. On slow pitches, fast bowlers must bowl with more control and smart planning.

List of the Fastest Bowlers in Cricket History

Shoaib Akhtar

Bowling Speed: 161.3 km/h (fastest ball in cricket)
Tournament: England, 2003

Shoaib Akhtar is called the fastest bowler in cricket history. His raw speed and aggressive style made him very dangerous.

Batsmen found it very hard to face him because of his pace and bounce. His fastest delivery is still one of the most famous moments in cricket.

Brett Lee

Bowling Speed: 161.1 km/h
Tournament: New Zealand, 2005

Brett Lee was known for his fast and attacking bowling. He bowled with great speed and also had good control.

Batsmen struggled to handle his pace and swing. His fast bowling played a big role in Australia’s success across formats.

Shaun Tait

Bowling Speed: 161.1 km/h
Tournament: England, 2010

Shaun Tait was famous for his pure speed. His bowling action was powerful, and he bowled very fast in short spells.

Batsmen often found it difficult to face him. His speed made him one of the quickest bowlers of his time.

Jeff Thomson

Bowling Speed: 160.6 km/h
Tournament: Fast Bowling Study, 1975

Jeff Thomson was one of the most feared fast bowlers of his era. His unusual bowling action and extreme pace made batting uncomfortable.

Many great batsmen struggled against him. His fast bowling left a strong mark in cricket history.

Mitchell Starc

Bowling Speed: 160.4 km/h
Tournament: New Zealand, 2015

Mitchell Starc is known for his high-speed swing and accuracy. He is dangerous in all formats of the game.

Batsmen find it hard to read his deliveries. His smart use of different types of cricket balls adds extra trouble for batsmen.

Andy Roberts

Bowling Speed: 159.5 km/h
Tournament: Australia, 1975

Andy Roberts was a very intelligent fast bowler. He used pace and variation to trouble batsmen.

Batsmen found it difficult to settle against him. He played an important role in shaping fast bowling in world cricket.

Fidel Edwards

Bowling Speed: 157.7 km/h
Tournament: South Africa, 2003

Fidel Edwards was known for his sling-style action and sharp pace. His bounce and speed made batting difficult.

When he was at his best, he could change the game with just a few overs.

Mitchell Johnson

Bowling Speed: 156.8 km/h
Tournament: Ashes Series, 2013

Mitchell Johnson used speed, bounce, and aggression to dominate batsmen. His fast spells often turned matches around.

Batsmen struggled against his short and fast balls. His peak performances are still remembered by cricket fans.

Can Current Bowlers Break Speed Records?

Today’s fast bowlers are fitter and stronger than earlier players. Modern training, better diet, and sports science help them bowl fast for longer periods.

However, breaking extreme speed records is still very hard. With ball-tracking technology closely checking speed and accuracy, bowlers also focus more on control and safety.

Key Points

• Modern training helps bowlers bowl faster and longer

• Fitness and technology give today’s bowlers an advantage

• Injury risk and workload are big challenges

• Breaking old speed records is possible, but not easy

Conclusion

Fast bowling has always been an exciting part of cricket. From deadly bouncers to record-breaking speed, the fastest bowlers have brought energy and thrill to the game.

Today’s bowlers benefit from better fitness and training, but the basics are still important. Understanding the cricket pitch helps fast bowlers use their skills in the best way.

These eight fast bowlers proved that speed can control a match when used correctly. Even if their records are broken one day, their impact on fast bowling will always be remembered.

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