Top 10 Fastest Bowlers in Cricket History and Their Speeds in 2023
You are about to experience a thrill ride of sheer speed and terror. The top 10 fastest bowlers in cricket have been clocked at speeds that seem barely human. As batsmen standing 22 yards away prepare to face deliveries hurtling at them at up to 100 miles per hour, survival instincts kick in. Instincts are all a batsman has time for when facing the raw pace of the fastest bowlers.Cricket fans live for moments of unplayable pace that leave even the world's best batsmen grasping at air. The bowlers on this list have built their careers and reputations on bowling fast and making the ball talk with movement at high velocity. If you think you have the reflexes and courage to face them, you may want to think again. The top 10 fastest bowlers in cricket history and their top recorded speeds in 2023 are about to be revealed. Hold onto your helmet.
Top 10 Fastest Bowlers in Cricket History in the World in 2023
To determine the top 10 fastest bowlers in cricket history in 2023, several factors must be considered, including speed and accuracy. The following list ranks the fastest bowlers currently playing in international cricket based on their recorded top speeds:
Mitchell Starc (Australia)- Mitchell Starc currently holds the record for the fastest delivery in international cricket at 160.4 km/h (99.7 mph) which he bowled during a test match against England in November 2021. Starc is a left-arm fast bowler and is considered one of the best fast bowlers in the world.
Jasprit Bumrah (India)- Jasprit Bumrah is India's premier fast bowler and is ranked among the top 3 ODI bowlers in the ICC rankings. He has recorded a top speed of 157.7 km/h (97.9 mph) and is known for his unusual bowling action and ability to bowl yorkers.
Shannon Gabriel (West Indies)- Shannon Gabriel is a West Indian fast bowler known for his pace and aggression. His fastest recorded delivery is 156.9 km/h (97.5 mph) which he bowled against Bangladesh in 2018.
Kagiso Rabada (South Africa)- Kagiso Rabada is South Africa's strike bowler and currently ranked 2nd in the ICC test bowler rankings. He has recorded a top speed of 153.2 km/h (95.3 mph) and is known for his swing, seam and pace.
Mark Wood (England)- Mark Wood is a fast bowler who plays for England and Durham. His fastest recorded delivery is 152.6 km/h (94.8 mph) which he bowled against West Indies in 2019. Wood is capable of regularly bowling between 145 to 150 km/h and adds variety to England's pace attack.
Shoaib Akhtar: The Rawalpindi Express at His Peak in 2023
As the fastest bowler in cricket history, Shoaib Akhtar delivered terrifying speed at his peak in 2023. Known as the "Rawalpindi Express," Akhtar regularly exceeded 100 mph and reached a record top speed of 161.3 km/h (100.2 mph) in 2023.
Akhtar's bowling was a sight to behold. With his distinctive run-up and smooth action, he propelled the ball at breakneck pace, often uprooting stumps or rattling batsmen. Very few could withstand his searing bouncers and yorkers. Some of his victims included cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, and Brian Lara.
To generate such speed and force, Akhtar had a simple yet brutally effective action. His broad shoulders, strong legs, and whippy arm action allowed him to accelerate through the crease and release the ball with jaw-dropping pace. His hostile spells would leave batsmen shell-shocked and change the complexion of the game in a flash.
However, Akhtar's supersonic speed took a toll on his body. Plagued by injuries, his career was often stop-start. Controversies also followed the fiery fast bowler. Yet when fit and focused, he was an unstoppable force that terrorized batsmen all over the world. Akhtar's menacing pace ushered in a new era of extreme speed in cricket and inspired future generations of fast bowlers. His record as the fastest bowler in history still stands today and will likely remain unmatched. Akhtar's searing pace redefined the art of fast bowling and cemented his status as a legend.
Brett Lee: One of the Quickest Bowlers of All Time Still in 2023
One of the Fastest Bowlers of All Time
Brett Lee is widely considered one of the fastest bowlers in cricket history. Even into 2023 at age 46, Lee’s fastest ball was clocked at 161.1 km/h (100.2 mph) against New Zealand in 2005. His aggressive speed and bouncy deliveries earned him the nickname “The Wild Thing.”
Lee utilized an athletic bowling action to generate velocity and bounce. His run-up and delivery were described as “poetry in motion.” At the point of release, his arm was straight and body fully extended to direct as much energy as possible into the ball.
Successful International Career
Lee represented Australia in all forms of the game from 2000 to 2012. In Test matches, he took 310 wickets at an average of 30.81. He was even more prolific in One Day Internationals, capturing 380 wickets at an average of 23.36. Lee frequently bowled in tandem with fellow fast bowler Glenn McGrath in a formidable pace attack.
Memorable Performances
Some of Lee’s most memorable performances include:
Taking 5/30 against India in the 2000 Sydney Test, including Sachin Tendulkar for a duck.
Bowling Australia to victory in the 2005 Edgbaston Ashes Test with figures of 4/71 in England’s second innings. His speed and aggression set the tone in a hard-fought series.
Ripping through the West Indies with 5/24 in the 2007 World Cup, steering Australia into the semi-finals. His short-pitched barrage proved too much for the Windies batsmen to handle.
Even with advancing age, Lee’s status as an all-time fast bowling great is unquestioned. His speed, bounce, and aggression redefined the role of the fast bowler in the early 21st century. Lee’s legacy of terrorizing batsmen with red-hot pace will live on for generations. Without a doubt, Brett Lee deserves to be ranked among the top 10 fastest bowlers of all time in 2023 and beyond.
Shaun Tait: Still Pushing Speed Records in 2023
One of the fastest bowlers in cricket history, Shaun Tait continued to push speed records in 2023 and cement his status as an all-time great.
Record-Setting Pace
Known for his blistering pace and ability to regularly bowl over 155 km/h, Tait set a new record for the fastest ball in cricket history in 2023 at 161.1 km/h. His raw speed and aggression make him a formidable opponent for any batsman.
Injuries and Setbacks
However, Tait has faced his share of injuries and obstacles over his career. His action puts a lot of stress on his body, and he has suffered multiple stress fractures, muscle strains, and other ailments that have sidelined him for parts of seasons. His speed and style of play also mean he can be expensive, conceding a high number of runs at times.
2023 World Cup Performance
Despite the challenges, Tait showed he still has gas left in the tank during the 2023 World Cup. He finished with 11 wickets in the tournament, including 3/38 in the semifinal against India. His performance was crucial in helping Australia reach the final. Though past his peak, Tait proved he remains a world-class bowler who can perform on the biggest stages.
Tait’s enduring status as one of the fastest bowlers of all time secures his place in cricket history. His raw pace revolutionized fast bowling and forced batsmen around the world to adapt to speeds never before seen. Though he may never again reach the heights of his early career, Shaun Tait continues to push the boundaries of pace and make life uncomfortable for batsmen everywhere in 2023. He remains a once-in-a-generation talent and inspiration for fast bowlers around the globe.
Dale Steyn: The Steyn Gun Keeps Up With the Young Guns in 2023
At 38 years old, Dale Steyn continues to rank among the fastest bowlers in cricket. While younger bowlers like Jofra Archer and Mark Wood have overtaken him in top speed, Steyn’s average pace remains quicker than most. His longevity and consistency cement his status as an all-time great fast bowler.
Pace and Movement
Steyn’s average speed in 2023 still hovers around 88-92 mph, with his quickest balls reaching 95 mph. He generates tremendous pace from his lithe frame using a rhythmic, repeatable action. More importantly, Steyn obtains significant movement at high speed, especially away-swing from right-handed batsmen. The combination of velocity and movement has tormented batsmen throughout his career.
Injury Comeback
Steyn has overcome multiple injuries in recent years, including shoulder and heel problems that threatened to end his career. His comeback in 2023 demonstrates his determination and passion for the game. While he plays a reduced schedule to manage his workload, Steyn remains a key part of South Africa’s bowling attack when fit. His experience and skill make him an ideal mentor for younger fast bowlers like Lungi Ngidi.
Legacy
When he debuted in 2004, Steyn brought a mean streak that South Africa had lacked since the era of Allan Donald and Shaun Pollock. His fiery brand of fast bowling has defined an era of South African cricket. While his speeds have understandably declined with age, Steyn’s name still evokes fear in batsmen around the world due to his long record of success. He will be remembered as a once-in-a-generation talent and one of the best fast bowlers of all time.
Steyn continues to push the limits of age and injury through his passion for fast bowling. His sustained success over 15+ years serves as an inspiration for the next generation of speedsters following in his wake. The Steyn gun may fire a bit slower now, but it remains locked and loaded. Long live the king of South African pace!
Conclusion
You have now explored the top 10 fastest bowlers to ever play cricket and their record speeds. These players have pushed the boundaries of pace bowling and set new standards for raw speed and athletic achievement. While speed is certainly an asset, these bowlers have also demonstrated immense skill, control, and perseverance to harness their speed and use it as an effective weapon. Their feats inspire both seasoned fans and newcomers to the sport alike. Though records are made to be broken, these pacesetters have secured their place in cricket history through their blazing fast deliveries and sheer force of will. The sport of cricket will long remember their contributions and continue to celebrate new speedsters that follow in their footsteps.
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