England’s fast bowler Mark Wood is inching closer to the prestigious 100mph barrier, according to England captain Ben Stokes. Wood, 34, delivered an exhilarating performance on the second morning of the second Test against the West Indies at Trent Bridge last week, reaching a remarkable speed of 97.1mph.
Wood’s blistering pace was a highlight of the match, showcasing his exceptional ability and positioning him as one of the fastest bowlers in international cricket.
His top recorded speed stands at 97.73mph, achieved during the Boxing Day Ashes Test in 2021 against David Warner. Only three bowlers are officially documented to have exceeded the 100mph mark in international cricket, adding to the significance of Wood’s performance.
“He’s got it in the tank,” Stokes remarked about Wood’s potential. “He’s been close a couple of times. Maybe one day.” Stokes’ comments reflect his admiration for Wood’s raw pace and his potential to break into the elite group of bowlers who have surpassed 100mph.
The Durham paceman has been named in an unchanged England squad for the upcoming third Test against the Windies, starting this Friday. Wood’s selection underscores his crucial role in the team’s bowling attack and the trust the selectors have in his ability to deliver top-notch performances.
Stokes expressed his excitement about Wood’s pace, saying, “It’s not surprising. It’s great to watch. I’d much rather have him in my team than having to have my helmet and pads on facing him as an opposition.” This sentiment highlights the value Stokes places on Wood’s speed and the advantage it brings to the England team.
Wood’s impressive bowling speeds were particularly evident during his first spell at Trent Bridge, where he averaged 94.47mph in the second over. This delivery is noted as the fastest over bowled by an England bowler in a home Test, adding to his growing list of accolades.
Accurate measurement of bowling speeds remains a challenging task. While Shoaib Akhtar of Pakistan and Australian bowlers Brett Lee and Shaun Tait are recorded as having surpassed the 100mph mark, Cricviz, a data analytics firm, has disputed these speeds, raising questions about the accuracy of historical records.
As Wood continues to push the boundaries of pace bowling, cricket fans and experts eagerly await his next performances. With the potential to break new records and etch his name alongside the legends of fast bowling, Wood’s journey remains one of the most thrilling aspects of modern cricket.
As the third Test approaches, all eyes will be on Wood to see if he can deliver another electrifying performance and possibly become the fourth bowler to officially breach the 100mph barrier.
