Cricket Speed Guns: How Bowling Speed Is Measured
Speed guns at cricket grounds use radar or infrared technology to measure bowling speed in km/h and mph. Learn how it works, what speeds mean, and the fastest deliveries ever recorded.
Speed guns have been standard in professional cricket since the late 1990s. Using Doppler radar or infrared sensors, they measure the velocity of the ball as it leaves the bowler's hand, giving fans and commentators the speed readout that appears on broadcasts.
How it works
Cricket uses Doppler radar speed guns — the same principle as traffic speed cameras. A radar beam is aimed at the ball; as the ball moves, it reflects the beam back at a shifted frequency (the Doppler effect). The frequency shift is proportional to the ball's speed. Some venues use laser-based systems that measure speed at multiple points. The figure displayed is typically the speed as the ball leaves the bowler's hand.
Speed categories
| Speed (kph) | Speed (mph) | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 90–100 kph | 56–62 mph | Slow-medium |
| 100–120 kph | 62–75 mph | Medium |
| 120–130 kph | 75–81 mph | Fast-medium |
| 130–145 kph | 81–90 mph | Fast |
| 145–155 kph | 90–96 mph | Very fast |
| 155+ kph | 96+ mph | Elite pace |
Fastest deliveries ever recorded
| Bowler | Speed | Match |
|---|---|---|
| Shoaib Akhtar (PAK) | 161.3 kph (100.2 mph) | 2003 World Cup vs England |
| Brett Lee (AUS) | 160.8 kph (99.9 mph) | 2005 ODI vs New Zealand |
| Jeff Thomson (AUS) | 160 kph (99 mph) | 1976 — pre-radar estimate |
| Morne Morkel (SA) | 156.8 kph (97.5 mph) | 2013 |
| Jofra Archer (ENG) | 154 kph (95.7 mph) | 2020 T20 vs West Indies |
Accuracy of speed guns
Different speed gun systems and placements produce slightly different readings, which is why historical comparisons are imperfect. Weather conditions (wind, temperature) can affect readings. The speed displayed is usually the release speed — the ball decelerates approximately 5-8 kph by the time it reaches the batter. Slower balls can be deceptive because batters perceive the speed at release.
Frequently asked questions
How is bowling speed measured in cricket?
Cricket uses Doppler radar speed guns. They emit a beam that reflects off the moving ball; the frequency shift reveals the ball's speed. The readout usually shows speed at release.
What is the fastest delivery ever recorded in cricket?
Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan) bowled 161.3 kph (100.2 mph) at the 2003 World Cup — the fastest delivery ever officially recorded.
What speed is considered fast in cricket?
Deliveries above 145 kph (90 mph) are considered fast. Elite fast bowlers average 145-155 kph. Above 155 kph (96 mph) is exceptional.