On the opening day of the highly anticipated IND vs AUS day-night Test in Adelaide, fans were left in shock when the speed gun indicated a remarkable 181 km/h delivery bowled by India’s pacer Mohammed Siraj. This moment quickly made headlines and sparked debates among cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Was this truly the fastest ball in cricket history? Or was it simply a technical glitch from the broadcasters?
The Incident: Siraj’s 181 km/h Delivery
The event took place during the 25th over of the Australian innings. Siraj, known for his fiery pace, bowled a short off-length delivery outside the off-stump to Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne. As Labuschagne calmly glided the ball down to the deep backward point for a boundary, the speed radar on the giant screen flashed an astonishing 181.6 km/h beside Siraj’s name. The speed reading immediately caught the attention of cricket fans, sparking a social media frenzy.
The incident raised eyebrows, considering that the fastest recorded delivery in cricket history belongs to former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar. Akhtar bowled an incredible 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph) against England during the 2003 ODI World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa. So, could Siraj’s 181 km/h be a breakthrough in the world of fast bowling? Or was it just a broadcasting error?
The Fastest Ball in Cricket History: Shoaib Akhtar’s Legacy
Shoaib Akhtar, also known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” remains the record-holder for the fastest delivery ever bowled in international cricket. His famous 161.3 km/h ball from the 2003 World Cup still stands unchallenged, and no bowler has come close to breaking this record since. Akhtar’s pace is often hailed as one of the most thrilling feats in cricket history, and his name is synonymous with raw speed.
Although Siraj’s 181 km/h is nothing short of remarkable, it falls short when compared to Akhtar’s milestone. Many cricket experts quickly pointed out that the 181 km/h reading was likely due to a technical malfunction with the speed gun, rather than an accurate measurement of Siraj’s bowling speed.
The Technical Glitch Explained
Speed guns, which track the speed of the ball, are sophisticated machines, but they can sometimes malfunction, especially when broadcasting in live settings. These glitches often occur due to calibration issues, interference from environmental factors, or software errors in real-time data transmission. In this case, the 181.6 km/h reading was likely a technical issue, as there was no subsequent confirmation or corroboration from the official speed monitoring systems or players.
Furthermore, Siraj’s bowling action, while aggressive and full of energy, does not consistently push the upper limits of bowling speed like Shoaib Akhtar or even other fast bowlers such as Mitchell Starc or Shaun Tait. While Siraj’s pace is formidable, it is far from being in the realm of the world record.
Siraj’s On-field Drama: A Moment of Frustration
In addition to the speed glitch, Siraj’s actions later in the over also generated some controversy. After Labuschagne, distracted by a spectator carrying a beer snake near the sight screen, stepped out of his stance just before Siraj was about to bowl, the Indian pacer became frustrated. Siraj, in an emotional moment, threw the ball towards the batter, an action that is against ICC regulations.
According to the International Cricket Council (ICC) rulebook, players are prohibited from throwing any equipment, including the ball, at a batter, umpire, or any other individual during a match. Although the ball didn’t hit Labuschagne or the stumps, this action could lead to potential sanctions by the ICC.
Siraj’s Role Beyond Cricket: DSP of Telangana
In a surprising turn of events, Mohammed Siraj, known for his cricketing exploits, was appointed as the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Telangana in October 2024. His new role highlights his versatility and commitment to public service beyond the cricket field. Siraj’s appointment was met with excitement in both the cricketing and law enforcement communities, marking another significant milestone in his career.
The Controversy Sparks a Meme Fest
As with most viral moments in cricket, Siraj’s 181 km/h delivery quickly became the subject of online jokes, memes, and fan banter. Social media platforms erupted with theories, with some fans speculating that Siraj was secretly preparing to break Akhtar’s record, while others humorously claimed that the speed gun had simply malfunctioned due to the excitement of the moment.
Despite the confusion surrounding the speed reading, the incident provided an entertaining narrative for cricket fans, as they debated whether Siraj’s delivery could be considered a world record or if it was merely a broadcasting blunder.
Conclusion: The Fastest Ball or a Glitch?
While Mohammed Siraj’s 181 km/h ball against Australia may have stunned fans, it is clear that the record for the fastest delivery in cricket still belongs to Shoaib Akhtar with his 161.3 km/h thunderbolt. The technical glitch that caused the speed spike is more likely the reason for Siraj’s misreported speed, rather than an extraordinary feat of fast bowling.
Cricket, however, thrives on moments like these – where speculation, drama, and controversy spark discussions and bring fans together. Regardless of the speed, Siraj’s fiery passion and commitment to the game remain unchallenged, both on the cricket field and in his new role as a DSP in Telangana.
For now, the debate continues, but one thing is certain: Siraj’s place in cricket history is secure, whether it’s for his pace, his skill, or his off-field contributions to society.
