In the first match of the ODI series against India, Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc made headlines when one of his deliveries registered an astonishing 176.5 km/h on the speedometer. Fans and commentators alike were surprised by the reading, which quickly went viral on social media.
Starc’s Impressive Spell Against India
Starc bowled a short but impactful spell, delivering 5 overs, conceding only 20 runs, and claiming a crucial wicket. The highlight of his performance was sending Indian superstar Virat Kohli back to the pavilion for a duck, giving Australia a strong start in the match.
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The Record-Speed Delivery
The most talked-about moment, however, was the first ball Starc bowled to Rohit Sharma. According to the speedometer, the ball reached 176.5 km/h, creating shock and excitement among cricket fans worldwide. Typically, Starc bowls at around 140 km/h, and the sudden spike in speed was later revealed to be a technical error with the speed measurement system. Despite the error, the clip circulated widely on social media, drawing attention from cricket enthusiasts everywhere.
Historical Context: Fastest Balls in Cricket
For perspective, the fastest recorded delivery in cricket history belongs to Pakistan’s legendary pacer Shoaib Akhtar. During the 2003 Cricket World Cup against England, Akhtar bowled at 161.6 km/h (100.23 mph). Remarkably, this record has stood unbroken for 22 years, cementing Akhtar’s legacy as one of the fastest bowlers in the history of the sport.
Starc’s Reputation as a Fast Bowler
Mitchell Starc is renowned for his ability to swing the ball at high speeds and deliver crucial breakthroughs for Australia. While the 176.5 km/h reading was a mistake, it highlighted the excitement and anticipation that fast bowlers bring to the game. Fans continue to follow Starc’s performances closely, hoping to witness more thrilling moments in international cricket.
Conclusion
Although the speedometer error was temporary, it sparked a lot of buzz and showcased the excitement that fast bowling brings to modern cricket. Starc’s performance, especially dismissing Virat Kohli for zero, confirmed his status as one of Australia’s most reliable and threatening fast bowlers in ODIs.
