England captain Ben Stokes believes that Mark Wood could be the first bowler to exceed 100mph (161km/h) in a Test match, following Wood’s impressive performance at Trent Bridge.
During England’s second Test victory against the West Indies, where they secured a 241-run win and an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the series, Wood reached a top speed of 97.1mph. Despite taking only two wickets, his sheer pace significantly impacted the match, especially benefiting off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, who took 5-41 in the second innings.
Wood’s direct influence was further highlighted when he fractured Kevin Sinclair’s forearm with a rapid bouncer, forcing West Indies to change their squad for the final Test at Edgbaston.
The current fastest recorded delivery in Test cricket is held by Australia’s Mitchell Starc, who bowled at 99.6mph against New Zealand in 2015. The all-format international record belongs to Pakistan’s Shoaib Akhtar, who delivered a 100.2mph ball against England in 2003.
Stokes, speaking at a pre-match press conference, noted that Wood still has potential to break the 100mph barrier but emphasized that Wood’s current performance is already exceptional. “He seems to be getting closer and closer to that (100mph mark), but I’m happy with what he’s doing now to be honest,” said Stokes. “Being able to sustain that pace is quite phenomenal.”
Praising Wood’s consistent speed, Stokes added, “His average speed every time he plays a Test match is always above 90mph. It’s all fine and well trying to bowl one spell above 90, but every spell he bowls for England he’s clocking over 90mph.”
Stokes also lauded Wood’s resilience despite his injury-plagued career. “You have to hold your hands up and celebrate what we have there,” Stokes said. “He has got the heart of a lion. He runs in spell after spell, ball after ball. When he bowls, the whole game changes. When his name is read out, the whole crowd is up, and when the speeds are on the big screen, everyone gets going.”
“Woody is always looking up at the screen as well to see what he’s clocking. He knows he’s in the team to not only bowl skillfully but also fast,” concluded Stokes.
