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England captain Ben Stokes is confident that Mark Wood has the potential to be the first bowler to exceed 100 mph (161 km/h) during a Test match, inspired by Wood’s exhilarating performance at Trent Bridge.
In the second Test against the West Indies, Wood reached a maximum speed of 97.1 mph, contributing to England’s commanding 241-run victory and securing a 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The final match of the series is set to take place this week at Edgbaston.
The 34-year-old may have taken only two wickets in the match, but his blistering pace played a crucial role in the success of his teammates, particularly off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, who clinched England’s first series victory since 2002 with a five-wicket haul of 5-41 in the second innings.
Wood also made a significant impact by directly influencing team changes for the third Test, starting Friday. His rapid bouncer fractured Kevin Sinclair’s forearm, forcing the West Indies to alter their lineup.
Mitchell Starc of Australia currently holds the record for the fastest recorded delivery in a Test, clocking 99.6 mph against New Zealand in 2015.
On the international stage, Pakistan’s Shoaib Akhtar holds the overall record with a 100.2 mph delivery against England in 2003. However, many great fast bowlers from earlier eras did not always have their deliveries accurately measured.
Stokes mentioned that Wood likely has more to give in his quest to break the 100 mph barrier. However, during a pre-match press conference at Edgbaston on Thursday, he added, “I’m not sure if he’s particularly concerned about it.”
“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.
“Being able to sustain that pace is quite phenomenal.
“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,” added Stokes as he reflected on the sheer physical effort of his county colleague.
Stokes expressed his satisfaction with Wood’s current form, noting that despite Wood’s 35-Test career being plagued by injuries, he was bowling exceptionally well at the moment.
“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 be 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.”
