Fast Bowling has changed the world of cricket! Several players who have dominated the world cricket stage with their amazing performances have managed to create history through their strategic gameplay via fast bowling. Players at both Indian and International levels have served their nations and flaunted the pride of the cricket game in front of the entire world. Want to know who those legendary superheroes are? Read the blog till the end to learn more, where I have shared a list of the fastest bowlers in cricket history.
What Is Fast Bowling in Cricket?
Fast Bowling, also known as pace bowling, is a type of bowling in cricket where the bowler delivers the ball to the batter at a very high speed. The ball deceives the batter into hitting another spot, missing the shot due to its speed. Fast bowling is considered when the ball is delivered over a speed of 90 mph (140 km/h). Players who practice fast bowling are known as quicks or fast bowlers.
The fast bowler also uses other techniques, such as seam bowling and swing bowling, to prevent the batter from hitting the ball correctly. Therefore, they might also be referred to as swing bowlers or fast bowlers who can swing it. Fast bowling is one of the two approaches to bowling, the other being spin bowling.
Fastest Bowler in Cricket History
Shoaib Akhtar
Shoaib Akhtar, also known as "Rawalpindi Express," is a former Pakistani cricketer renowned for his record-breaking speed. He has served his national team right from 1997 to 2011. He is known for his aggressive throw and incredible pace, which marked his name in the history of cricket. His fastest ball delivery was 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph), which was made against England during the 2002 World Cup. He is known for his ability to generate speed consistently despite frequent injuries. His aggressive style is what has made him a formidable opponent and a fan favourite. He has also set the highest bowling record in the history of cricket till now.
Brett Lee
Brett Lee is another fast bowler who has created history in the quickest bowling. He is the fastest Australian cricketer and also the most successful bowler. His international career spanned from 1999 to 2012. His fastest delivery was recorded at 161.1 km/h (100.1 mph) against New Zealand in 2005, and this showed his remarkable achievement in speed and control. Moreover, he was also the best batter, gifted with accuracy, athleticism, and sportsmanship. Even after his retirement, he continued to be the mentor and the coach for the new generation of fast bowlers. He was also part of the border Gavaskar trophy between 2007-2008.
Shaun Tait
Shaun Tait is a renowned player and also the fastest bowler in cricket history who has served an international career between 2004 and 2016. In the year 2010, his fastest delivery was clocked at the speed of 161.1 km/h (100.1 mph) against England in 2010. He played a crucial role in the 2007 World Cup campaign in Australia. Even after the injuries, he did not step back and left a lasting impression in international cricket history. His pace and slinging action are what have set him unique from the other batters and made him a thrilling bowler.
Jeff Thomson
Jeff Thomson is a true legend of cricket and an Australian fast bowler who dominated cricket history during the 197Os with exceptional speed. He, along with Dennis Lillee, is believed to be the quickest bowling duo in cricket history. His fastest delivery was recorded at 160.6 km/h (99.8 mph) against the West Indies in 1975.
Thomson's career marked from 1972 to 1985, and he is well known for his aggressive approach and the ability to horrify the batters. He was pivotal in Australia's success during that era, particularly in the Ashes series. He is known for his unique bowling style, defining Thomson's legacy and influencing many future fast bowlers.
Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc is another legendary player from Australia, again known for his unique bowling skills and techniques. His international career began in the year 2010, after which he established himself as the fastest bowler in cricket. His fastest delivery was recorded at 160.4 km/h (99.7 mph), which was against New Zealand in 2015, which highlighted his exceptional pace. His major achievement was the win in the 2015 World Cup-winning team, where he was considered as the player of the tournament. He was also the most expensive player in 2024.
Andy Roberts
Andy Roberts was the West Indies' fastest bowler and is also considered one of the fastest bowlers in cricket history. His international career was from 1974 to 1983. He shocked the entire world with his fastest delivery, which was at 159.5 km/h (99.1 mph). It was against Australia in 1975. It showcased his raw pace and ability to unsettle batters. He is known for his strategic approach and also his pace delivery to outsmart opponents.
He was also a member of the team that won the 1975 Cricket World Cup and the 1979 Cricket World Cup, respectively, as well as finishing runners-up at the 1983 Cricket World Cup.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fastest Bolwer in Cricket History
Who Is the Fastest Bowler in Cricket History Till Now?
Well, till now, no one has broken the record of the fastest bowler in cricket history, which Shoaib Akhtar of Pakistan made. He holds the record for the fastest delivery, clocking 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph) against England in the 2003 Cricket World Cup.
Who Is the Current Fastest Bowler?
Currently, Mitchell Starc is considered the fastest bowler in cricket history. He delivered the ball at the highest speed of 160.4 km/h (99.7 mph).
Who Are the Top 5 Fastest Bowlers of All Time?
Shoaib Akhtar (PAK) – 161.3 km/h
Brett Lee (AUS) – 161.1 km/h
Shaun Tait (AUS) – 161.1 km/h
Jeff Thomson (AUS) – Estimated 160+ km/h
Mitchell Starc (AUS) – 160.4 km/h
This list of the fastest bowlers in cricket history helps us understand the difficulties surpassed by these players to reach the canopy of success. We can learn several life skills from them as well, such as perseverance, hard work, and dedication that encourage us to take up the sport and do our best.
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