Experience the thrill of raw pace as we explore the world’s fastest bowlers, both past and present, who have left batsmen quaking in their boots.
We have checked Google top ranking pages and it’s likely outdated and doesn’t necessarily reflect the current top 10 fastest bowlers. Hence, I have researched a lot to give you most accurate and well researched list of fast bowlers updated till 2024.
Who Is The Fastest Bowler In The World?
Shoaib Akhtar, my god he was quick. However, the title of the fastest bowler in the world has been a subject of intense debate, with multiple players clocking record-breaking speeds. In recent years, the likes of Gerald Coetzee, Mitchell Starc, and Kagiso Rabada have consistently hit the 150 km/h mark.
Top 10 Fastest Bowler In Cricket History
Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan) – 161.3 km/h (100.2 mph)
Nicknamed the “Rawalpindi Express,” Akhtar is the undisputed king of fast bowling. His fiery pace and aggressive spells terrorized batsmen for over a decade.
Brett Lee (Australia) – 161.1 km/h (100.1 mph)
Another fearsome fast bowler, Lee was known for his relentless accuracy alongside his raw pace. His toe-crushing Yorkers and lightning bouncers were a nightmare for batsmen.
Shaun Tait (Australia) – 161.1 km/h (100.1 mph)
A raw talent with express pace, Tait’s career was unfortunately hampered by injuries. However, during his peak, he could unleash unplayable deliveries that left batsmen bewildered.
Jeff Thomson (Australia) – 160.6 km/h (99.8 mph)
A bowling legend of the 70s and 80s, Thomson was a fearsome competitor. His brute pace and hostile bowling style intimidated batsmen worldwide.
Mitchell Starc (Australia) – 160.4 km/h (99.7 mph)
A modern-day fast bowler, Starc combines raw pace with exceptional swing bowling. He is a crucial part of the Australian attack, capable of ripping through batting lineups.
Andy Roberts (West Indies) – 159.5 km/h (99.1 mph)
A legend of the Caribbean pace attack of the 70s and 80s, Roberts was known for his hostility and express pace. His short-pitched bowling rattled batsmen and helped the West Indies dominate the era.
Fidel Edwards (West Indies) – 157.7 km/h (97.9 mph)
Another express fast bowler from the West Indies, Edwards had a slingy action and a knack for generating exceptional bounce. He was a key part of the Windies team in the early 2000s.
Gerald Coetzee (South Africa) – 157.4 km/h (97.8 mph)
A tearaway fast bowler from the 80s, Coetzee was known for his raw pace and ability to swing the new ball. He troubled some of the best batsmen of his era.
Lockie Ferguson (New Zealand) – 157.3 km/h (97.7 mph)
A modern-day exponent of fast bowling, Ferguson possesses raw pace and can generate significant swing. He is a vital part of the New Zealand attack, capable of picking up crucial wickets.
Umran Malik (India) – 157 km/h (97.5 mph)
The new kid on the block, Umran Malik has taken the cricketing world by storm with his searing pace. He is an exciting prospect for Indian cricket, with the potential to become a genuine tearaway fast bowler.
Who Is The Current Fastest Bowler In The World? (2024)
Mitchell Starc of Australia. However, as of 2024, Lockie Furguson, Gerald Coetzee etc. are widely considered the current fastest bowlers in world cricket. These two speedsters consistently bowl at an electrifying pace, terrorizing batsmen from all corners of the globe.
- Mitchell Starc (Australia) – 160.4 km/h (99.7 mph)
- Gerald Coetzee (South Africa) – 157.4 km/h (97.8 mph)
- Lockie Furguson (New Zealand)- 157.3 km/h (97.7)
- Umran Malik (India) – 157 km/h (97.5 mph)
- Mayank Yadav – 156.7 km/h – (97.3 mph)
Fastest Woman Bowler In The World
Australia’s Cathryn Fitzpatrick holds the record for the fastest delivery in women’s cricket, having clocked a speed of 125 km/h.
All-Time Fastest Bowlers In Cricket History
Throughout the rich history of cricket, a handful of legendary bowlers have earned a reputation for their lightning-quick deliveries. Some of the all-time greats include:
- Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan)
- Brett Lee (Australia)
- Jeff Thomson (Australia)
- Michael Holding (West Indies)
- Dennis Lillee (Australia)
- Andy Roberts (West Indies)
Top 20 All Time Fastest Bowlers In The World
In addition to the names above, other speed merchants have left an indelible mark on the cricketing landscape, including:
- Dale Steyn (South Africa)
- Malcolm Marshall (West Indies)
- Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)
- Ishant Sharma (India)
- Courtney Walsh (West Indies)
- Waqar Younis (Pakistan)
- Wasim Akram (Pakistan)
- Jofra Archer (England)
- Shaun Pollock (South Africa)
- Mohammad Sami (Pakistan)
- Morne Morkel (South Africa)
- Glenn McGrath (Australia)
- Allan Donald (South Africa)
- Curtly Ambrose (West Indies)
- Javagal Srinath (India)
- Joel Garner (West Indies)
- Brett Lee (Australia)
- Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka)
- Patrick Patterson (West Indies)
- Trent Boult (New Zealand)
Fastest Bowlers In The Indian Premier League (IPL) till 2024
The IPL, one of the world’s most prestigious T20 leagues, has witnessed several speedsters light up the stage with their fiery pace. Some of the fastest bowlers in IPL history include:
- Shaun Tait – 157.1 km/h – 2011
- Gerald Coetzee – 157.4 km/h -2024
- Lockie Ferfuson – 157.3 km/h – 2022
- Umran Malik – 157 km/h – 2022
- Anrich Nortje – 156. 2 km/h – 2020
- Mayank Yadav – 156.7 km/h -2024
Top 5 Indian Fast Bowlers till 2024
India has produced a crop of talented fast bowlers who have impressed on both the domestic and international stages:
- Umran Malik -157 km/h
- Mayank Yadav -156.7 km/h
- Irfan Pathan -153.7 km/h
- Mohammed Shami -153.3 km/h
- Jasprit Bumrah -153.26 km/h
Fastest Bowlers In The Big Bash League (BBL)
Australia’s premier T20 tournament, the Big Bash League, has also showcased some of the world’s fastest bowlers:
- Mitchell Starc
- Pat Cummins
- Jhye Richardson
- Riley Meredith
- Sean Abbott
- Haris Rauf
The quest for breakneck bowling speeds continues as new talents emerge, pushing the boundaries of what is possible on the cricket pitch. As fans, we can’t help but be captivated by the exhilarating display of pace and athleticism that these speedsters bring to the game.
How To Become A Fast Bowler
Are you aspiring to join the ranks of the fastest bowlers in the world? Here are some essential tips to help you improve your bowling speed:
- Develop a strong, rhythmic run-up: Focus on a smooth approach that builds momentum as you near the crease.
- Maintain a stable wrist position: A firm wrist allows for better control and generates more pace.
- Strengthen your core and lower body: A robust core and powerful legs are crucial for generating speed.
- Improve your bowling action: Ensure your action is fluid, with a seamless transfer of energy from the run-up to the delivery.
- Incorporate strength and conditioning training: Enhance your overall fitness to increase stamina and maintain speed throughout a match.
The Role Of Technology In Measuring Bowling Speeds
As the pursuit of speed in cricket continues, technology has become an integral part of measuring and analyzing bowling speeds. Here are some key technological advancements:
- Speed guns: Radar-based speed guns are used to measure the speed of a delivery accurately. These devices have become a staple at international matches and major cricket tournaments.
- Hawk-Eye: This advanced tracking system can measure ball speed, as well as other data points like bounce and deviation. Hawk-Eye provides valuable insights for players and coaches alike.
- Wearable technology: Devices like smart sensors and GPS trackers allow coaches to monitor players’ physical performance and identify areas for improvement.
How To Protect Yourself As A Batsman Against Fast Bowling
Facing a fast bowler can be intimidating, but there are ways to counter their pace and aggression:
- Proper stance and balance: A well-balanced stance will help you react quickly to fast deliveries.
- Please focus on the ball: Keep your eyes on the ball at all times, enabling you to judge its line and length more accurately.
- Use your feet: Move your feet swiftly to get into position, allowing you to play the ball with greater control.
- Practice regularly: The more you face fast bowlers in practice, the better you’ll become at handling their pace.
The Future Of Fast Bowling
As cricket evolves, so does the art of fast bowling. Emerging talents and technological advancements are pushing the boundaries of speed and skill. With continuous investment in player development and coaching, we can expect even more incredible feats in the years to come.
Cricket’s Speed Demons: Who Ranks Fastest? (Poll)
Let’s settle the debate! Vote for who you think is the fastest bowler among these legends:
- Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan) – 161.3 km/h
- Brett Lee (Australia) – 161.1 km/h
- Shaun Tait (Australia) – 161.1 km/h
- Jeff Thomson (Australia) – 160.6 km/h
- Mitchell Starc (Australia) – 160.4 km/h
- Andy Roberts (West Indies) – 159.5 km/h
- Fidel Edwards (West Indies) – 157.7 km/h
- Gerald Coetzee (South Africa) – 157.4 km/h (Due to limitations in poll options, omitting Coetzee)
- Lockie Ferguson (New Zealand) – 157.3 km/h (Due to limitations in poll options, using rounded speed)
- Umran Malik (India) – 157.0 km/h (Due to limitations in poll options, using rounded speed)
Please note: This poll is based on recorded fastest deliveries and doesn’t necessarily reflect overall bowling impact. Give your answer in comment box.
Test Your Cricket Knowledge: Fastest Bowlers Quiz!
Ready to prove your cricket expertise? Take this interactive quiz to see how well you know the sport’s fastest bowlers!
Instructions:
- Read each question carefully.
- Select the answer you believe is correct.
- Once you’ve answered all the questions, read “Grading” to see your level of expertise.
Good luck!
Question 1:
Who is nicknamed the “Rawalpindi Express” and holds the record for the fastest recorded delivery in cricket history?
- A. Mitchell Starc (Australia)
- B. Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan)
- C. Brett Lee (Australia)
- D. Andy Roberts (West Indies)
Question 2:
How many of the bowlers listed reached a recorded delivery speed exceeding 160 km/h?
- A. 1
- B. 2
- C. 3
- D. 4
Question 3:
Which of these fast bowlers is NOT from Australia or the West Indies?
- A. Shaun Tait
- B. Fidel Edwards
- C. Lockie Ferguson
- D. Jeff Thomson
Question 4:
Umran Malik, a rising star in Indian cricket, is known for his raw pace. What is his approximate recorded fastest delivery speed (rounded to nearest km/h)?
- A. 150 km/h
- B. 155 km/h
- C. 160 km/h
- D. 165 km/h
Question 5:
While pure speed is impressive, what other factor is crucial for a fast bowler to be truly effective?
- A. Batting average
- B. Excellent fielding skills
- C. Accurate bowling and swing
- D. Captaincy experience
Grading: Grade yourself after submitting the quiz)
- 5 correct answers: Cricket Speed Demon! You have a keen eye for the fastest bowlers in the game.
- 3-4 correct answers: Respectful Pace! You know your cricket, but there’s always room to learn more about bowling legends.
- 1-2 correct answers: Time to Brush Up! Don’t worry, everyone starts somewhere. Explore the history of these incredible fast bowlers.
Bonus Question (Optional):
Who is your favorite fast bowler of all time and why? (Give answer in comment section)
Conclusion
the world’s fastest bowlers are a testament to the exhilarating nature of cricket. Their sheer pace and skill captivate fans and inspire future generations of cricketers.
As we celebrate their achievements and the evolution of the game, one thing is sure – the quest for speed will continue to fuel the excitement and passion that makes cricket such a beloved sport.
James Paul is a former first-class cricketer and passionate cricket analyst. His decades of experience on the field and his love for the game shape his insights into the strategies and personalities that define world-class cricket.