Has Siraj broken Shoaib Akhtar’s record for world’s fastest bowler?

ADELAIDE: A technical glitch during the second Test between Australia and India in Adelaide Oval has sparked confusion, leading some to believe Indian fast bowler Mohammad Siraj may have broken Shoaib Akhtar’s long-standing record as the world’s fastest bowler.

On Friday, during the 24th over of the second day’s play, the speed gun displayed an astonishing reading of 181.6 km/h for Siraj’s delivery, sending shockwaves through fans and commentators alike.

However, this speed was later attributed to a technical error in the speed gun, not Siraj’s actual performance.

Shoaib Akhtar, Pakistan’s legendary fast bowler, currently holds the record for the fastest delivery ever bowled in cricket history. Akhtar’s 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph) delivery against England in 2003 remains unbeaten, marking the first time a bowler officially crossed the 100 mph barrier.

While Siraj’s speed on Friday may have been a glitch, the incident has ignited further discussions on the evolution of fast bowling and technology’s role in recording such feats.

The speed gun’s reading of 180.6km/h for Siraj’s delivery not only sent shocking waves through the crowd of more than 50,000 spectators in Adelaide Oval, but also generated heated debates on social media.

Fans, especially from India, took it to social media, converting their excitement into words posted on various platforms that Siraj has become the world’s fastest bowler.

Although, the management was quick in rectifying the error, the news spread like wildfire, making Siraj the world’s fastest bowler for a short span of time on social media.

On the other hand, Siraj gave no reaction as the reading showed surprising speed, some 20 points faster than the Shoaib Akhtar’s delivery.

After Australia quickly dealt with India in their first innings, holding them down to just 180 runs thanks to an incredible six wicket haul by Mitchell Starc, the Aussies got to work with the bat. But Jasprit Bumrah did his best to keep India alive.

Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj were the star bowlers for India, taking four wickets each. Australia were all out for 337, a score made possible thanks to Travis Head’s fantastic knock.

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