Australia is renowned worldwide for producing some of the fastest bowlers to ever play the game of cricket. The country has a rich legacy of spearheading the pace bowling department and consistently troubling batsmen with sheer speed and aggression. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the top 10 fastest Australian bowlers of all time based on their highest recorded speeds.
10. Craig McDermott
Craig McDermott had the rare distinction of being the first Australian bowler to break the 160 kph barrier, showcasing his status as a genuine speed merchant. His explosive pace combined with an aggressive mindset struck terror into the hearts of batsmen worldwide. McDermott could consistently top speeds of 160 kph and bowl long spells of fast bowling. He formed a lethal new ball partnership with Merv Hughes and played a key role in Australia’s golden era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. McDermott’s place in the record books as the first to break 100 mph highlights his status among Australia’s fastest.
9. Josh Hazlewood
Josh Hazlewood is an Australian international cricketer known primarily for his exceptional bowling accuracy rather than sheer pace. While he is capable of bowling quick spells, his average bowling speed consistently hovers around 135 km/h (around 84 mph), focusing more on precision and consistency in line and length than outright speed.
Interestingly, a delivery of his was once recorded at an impressive 164.2 km/h (102 mph), which would make it the fastest ball in cricket history, but this reading was later confirmed to be a technical glitch. Despite this, Hazlewood is respected for his classical fast bowling style reminiscent of legends like Glenn McGrath, where accuracy, seam movement, and competitiveness are paramount.
He often bowls disciplined, nagging lines that trouble batsmen with subtle movement rather than explosive pace, making him highly effective in Test cricket and various formats. However, Hazlewood can unleash bursts of higher speed when needed, especially during crucial moments, making him a versatile and critical asset in Australia’s bowling attack.
8. Pat Cummins
Pat Cummins is Australia’s premier fast bowler and captain of the national team in Test and ODI cricket. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers and bowling captains in cricket history. Cummins has an average bowling speed around 136 km/h but was faster earlier in his career, averaging about 140.6 km/h. He made his Test debut at 18 and overcame early injuries to become a mainstay and leader of Australia’s bowling attack.
Cummins is known for his smooth, rhythmic run-up, consistent pace, and ability to bowl long spells with precision. He combines pace with accuracy, seam movement, and clever variations, making him extremely effective in all conditions. His bowling stats include nearly 300 Test wickets at an average below 23, with multiple five-wicket hauls and match-winning performances. Under his captaincy, Australia won the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, the 2021–23 ICC World Test Championship, and the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup (where he was vice-captain).
In franchise cricket, like the IPL, Cummins has been a key bowler, known for taking critical wickets and maintaining pressure. He is respected for his intelligence, fitness, and leadership, which allow him to marshal bowlers effectively as the Australian captain.
7. Jason Gillespie
One of the quickest bowlers Australia has seen in the modern era was none other than Jason Gillespie. What set him apart was his remarkable ability to bowl fast while still maintaining excellent control, line, and length. Even late into his career as he slowed down, Gillespie could still generate express pace. He formed a formidable new ball partnership with Glenn McGrath and helped Australia dominate world cricket. Gillespie played a massive role in the team’s success and will go down as one of their fastest left-arm quicks ever seen.
6. Shaun Tait
Nicknamed the “Wild Thing” for his unorthodox action and extreme pace, Shaun Tait was truly a fast bowling phenomenon. He could comfortably touch and exceed the 160 kph mark spell after spell with his rapid deliveries. Tait’s sheer velocity combined with his aggressive mindset made facing him a nightmarish experience. Even though injuries cut short his career prematurely, Tait showcased his status as one of the quickest in world cricket during his prime. He played a massive role in Australia’s ODI World Cup triumph in 2007 and will be remembered as one of their fastest.
5. Mitchell Johnson
During his peak, few could match the sheer ferocity of Mitchell Johnson’s left-arm thunderbolts. He struck fear with his ability to consistently top 150 kph while generating prodigious swing and seam movement. What made Johnson stand out was how he could bowl at extreme speeds while still maintaining pinpoint control. His memorable 5-wicket hauls terrorizing opposition are the stuff of legends. From ripping the ball around corners to unleashing vicious bouncers, Johnson was a true pace demon. He played a massive role in Australia’s resurgence and will go down as one of their quickest.
4. Dennis Lillee
And finally, taking the top spot as the fastest bowler Australia has ever seen is the legendary Dennis Lillee. Fondly remembered as “Lillee the Lion,” he redefined pace bowling and left an indelible legacy. Lillee could comfortably top 150 kph and bowl long spells while maintaining pinpoint control. What made him truly stand out was his mastery of swing and seam movement even at extreme velocities. He formed a formidable partnership with Jeff Thomson to terrorize batsmen worldwide. Lillee played a massive role in shaping Australia into the powerhouse they are today. He remains the benchmark for every quick they have produced since and inspired generations with his ferocity.
3. Mitchell Starc
Still active today, Mitchell Starc is a modern day pace superstar who continues to showcase his status as one of the fastest in world cricket. The left-arm quick has established himself as Australia’s spearhead with his ability to consistently top speeds of 160 kph. What makes Starc stand out is his control and accuracy even at such express velocities. He possesses a lethal yorker, searing bouncer, and late swing which he can deliver at lightening speeds. Starc strikes fear with his pace and plays a pivotal role in Australia’s dominance, cementing his place among their fastest ever.
2. Brett Lee
Kicking off our list at number 10 is none other than Brett Lee, one of the fastest bowlers Australia has ever produced. Known for his extreme pace and ferocious bowling, Lee struck fear into the hearts of batsmen during his illustrious career. He could regularly touch speeds over 160 kph and bowl a sustained barrage of thunderbolts. Lee’s ability to bowl at such express pace combined with his attacking mindset made him a true crowd favorite. His memorable spells terrorizing batsmen with sheer velocity are the stuff of legends. Even in the twilight of his career, Lee maintained impressive speeds showcasing his remarkable athleticism.
1. Jeff Thomson
The 1970s were dominated by one of the fastest bowlers of all time – Jeff Thomson. Fondly remembered as the “Thomso,” he revolutionized pace bowling and was a true pioneer. Thomson struck fear into opposition with his raw pace, often surpassing 160 kph. His aggressive bowling style and ability to consistently generate extreme speeds set the benchmark for future generations of quicks. Even today, batsmen recount with dread the experience of facing Thomson’s lightning quick deliveries. He played a massive role in shaping modern fast bowling and remains one of the most revered quicks in cricket history.