NEW DELHI: In the first ODI between Australia and India, Mitchell Starc made an immediate impact by dismissing Virat Kohli for an eight-ball duck. However, the most talked-about moment of his spell wasn’t Kohli’s dismissal, but a delivery to Rohit Sharma that sent social media into a frenzy. Starc’s very first ball to the Indian captain was initially shown on the speed gun as 176.5 kmph, potentially the fastest ever recorded in ODI history.
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The figure, however, was a clear error. Other broadcasters’ graphics later confirmed the actual speed to be 140.8 kmph (just over 87 mph), in line with Starc’s usual pace.
While Starc’s delivery grabbed headlines, cricket enthusiasts often look back at the fastest balls ever bowled in international cricket.
At the top of the list is Shoaib Akhtar of Pakistan, who clocked 161.3 kmph against England, sending Nick Knight back to the pavilion.
Here's a look:
Shoaib Akhtar – 161.3 kmph
Pakistan’s ‘Rawalpindi Express’ clocked 161.3 kmph against England, sending Nick Knight back to the pavilion. Akhtar remains the fastest bowler in international cricket history.
Shaun Tait – 161.1 kmph & 160.7 kmph
Australia’s Shaun Tait bowled 161.1 kmph against England at Lord’s in 2010, breaking the 100 mph barrier. He also recorded 160.7 kmph against Pakistan in a T20I at the MCG. Tait mainly played shorter formats due to the physical toll of extreme pace.
Brett Lee – 161.1 kmph
Fellow Aussie Brett Lee also clocked 161.1 kmph against New Zealand at Napier in 2005, sharing the joint-second spot with Tait.
Jeff Thomson – 160.4 kmph
Australian legend Jeff Thomson, aka ‘Thommo,’ reached 160.4 kmph on Perth’s fast pitch against the West Indies in 1975.
Mitchell Starc – 160.4 kmph
Starc achieved his career-best 160.4 kmph during the 2nd Test against New Zealand at the WACA in 2015.
Andy Roberts – 159.9 kmph
West Indies’ Andy Roberts bowled 159.9 kmph in a speed competition in Australia, showcasing his raw pace.
Fidel Edwards – 157.7 kmph
Another West Indies pacer, Fidel Edwards, clocked 157.7 kmph in 2003 against South Africa, using reverse swing to trouble batters.
Mitchell Johnson – 156.8 kmph
Australia’s Mitchell Johnson reached 156.8 kmph against England in 2013, combining pace and aggression.
Mohammad Sami – 156.4 kmph
Pakistan’s Mohammad Sami matched 156.4 kmph against Zimbabwe in Sharjah in 2003, often compared to Shoaib Akhtar.
Shane Bond – 156.4 kmph
New Zealand’s Shane Bond hit 156.4 kmph against Australia in the 2003 World Cup.
Dale Steyn – 155.7 kmph
South Africa’s Dale Steyn unleashed 155.7 kmph against New Zealand, dominating batsmen with skillful pace.
Lasith Malinga – 155.7 kmph
Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga also reached 155.7 kmph in a 2011 World Cup clash against New Zealand in Mumbai.