England captain Ben Stokes believes that Mark Wood could be the first bowler to surpass 100mph (161km/h) during a Test match, following Wood’s electrifying performance at Trent Bridge.
In England’s victory over the West Indies by 241 runs in the second Test, Wood reached a top speed of 97.1mph, helping his team secure an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series ahead of this week’s finale at Edgbaston. Despite only taking two wickets in the match, Wood’s sheer pace had a significant impact, aiding off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, who clinched England’s first series win since 2002 with a second-innings haul of 5-41.
Wood’s influence was also felt when he forced the West Indies to alter their lineup for the third Test, fracturing Kevin Sinclair’s forearm with a fierce bouncer. The current fastest recorded delivery in a Test is held by Australia’s Mitchell Starc at 99.6mph against New Zealand in 2015. Pakistan’s Shoaib Akhtar holds the all-format international record with a 100.2mph delivery against England in 2003.
Stokes remarked that Wood still had “something left in the tank” to break the 100mph barrier but noted that Wood might not be overly concerned about it. “He seems to be getting closer and closer to that mark, but I’m happy with what he’s doing now,” Stokes said. “Being able to sustain that pace is quite phenomenal. His average speed every time he plays a Test match is always above 90mph.”
Reflecting on Wood’s efforts, Stokes praised his county colleague’s relentless spirit despite a career often hindered by injuries. “You have to hold your hands up and celebrate what we have there,” Stokes said. “He (Wood) 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, then 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 skilfully, but also fast.
