Top ten fastest bowlers in modern history

Shoaib Akhtar

1. Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan)

Brash, speedy and controversial, the Rawalpindi Express is arguably the fastest bowler of modern times. He has bowled at speeds of 161.3 km/hr, 160 km/hr three times and hovered near the same mark another two times – all in 2002.

At Eden Gardens during the Asian Test championship in 1999, a debuting Akhtar ripped out Dravid and Tendulkar off successive deliveries; it was the latter’s first ever duck in Test cricket. His impressive bowling performances saw him make the cut for the 2003 World Cup, but he had a mediocre tournament, especially in the game against India where he conceded 72 runs off his ten overs and was taken to the cleaners in his first over by both Tendulkar and Sehwag.

In and out of the team on several occasions for commitment and drug-related issues, Akhtar re-emerged in 2005 as a premier fast bowler for his side when he routed England during the Test series held in Pakistan. He had added the slower delivery to his arsenal, and his effective use of such balls made him unplayable for the English batsmen.

His struggles with injuries have been well-documented in the press, raising questions about his fitness and longevity. Disciplinary issues, a charismatic personality and a chaotic public life have all contributed to his apparent decline as a bowler, and he announced his retirement from international cricket at the end of the 2011 World Cup.