Josh Hazlewood Australian speed the fastest ball mystery
Josh Hazlewood, the talented Australian paceman, made headlines during day four of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG when a delivery he bowled was recorded at an astonishing 164 km/h. However, the readings of the balls he delivered immediately before and after were significantly lower, at 133 km/h and 134 km/h, making it highly improbable that Hazlewood actually bowled the fastest ball ever recorded in cricket history. This unusual speed measurement caused a stir among fans and commentators alike, raising questions about the accuracy of the speed gun and the possibility of external interference, such as a low moving object passing in front of the device.
Josh Hazlewood Australian speed the statistics that actually matter
While Hazlewood’s momentary “record” attracted attention, the focus quickly shifted to the performances of his teammates. All rounder Mitch Marsh demonstrated remarkable bowling form, reaching a top speed of 142 km/h, just behind James Pattinson’s 144.1 km/h, when excluding Hazlewood’s anomalous reading. Both Marsh and Pattinson consistently delivered balls at high pace, with over 50 percent classified as “short of a length” before tea, demonstrating their aggressive approach to Australian bowling strategy. Moreover, seasoned players like Mitchell Starc maintained a strong presence, previously recorded at 160.4 km/h in recent series, showing that Australia’s pace attack continues to impress.
What fans are saying
Fans of Australian cricket were captivated by Hazlewood’s bowling throughout the match, discussing his tactical intelligence, consistency, and raw speed. Many were excited about the potential for Hazlewood to challenge records, while others expressed admiration for the combined efforts of the Australian pace attack. The general consensus among spectators highlighted a growing respect for Hazlewood as a player capable of delivering moments of excitement and unpredictability, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.
Historical context of speed records
For context, the fastest delivery ever officially recorded in international cricket belongs to Pakistan’s Shoaib Akhtar, who bowled at 161.3 km/h during the 2003 World Cup. Australians Brett Lee and Shaun Tait jointly hold the national record at 161.1 km/h. Therefore, Hazlewood’s MCG reading, while questionable, sparked widespread debate and drew attention to the remarkable pace abilities present in modern cricket.
