Siraj fastest ball - Mohammed Siraj fastest ball in cricket history with 181.6 kmph delivery, Marnus Labuschagne vs Siraj fight on Day 1 of the Adelaide Test.

Mohammed Siraj, India’s fiery pacer, found himself at the center of an extraordinary yet bizarre cricket moment during the first day of the pink-ball Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval. The speed-gun at the stadium clocked one of Siraj’s deliveries at a jaw-dropping 181.6 kmph, which would shatter the existing fastest ball record held by Pakistan’s Shoaib Akhtar (161.3 kmph). The anomaly, however, was quickly identified as a technical glitch, leaving fans amused.

Social media erupted with memes and witty reactions, with some humorously hailing Siraj as the new speed demon of cricket. "DSP Siraj is coming to take over Shoaib Akhtar’s legacy," quipped a Twitter user, turning the unusual incident into a light-hearted cricketing moment.

The Marnus-Siraj Showdown: Tempers Flare Amid Speed-Gun Mishap

Adding to the drama, the glitch occurred in the same over as Siraj’s fiery exchange with Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne. During the 25th over of Australia’s innings, Labuschagne backed away from the crease at the last moment, citing a distraction caused by a fan carrying cups behind the sightscreen. This sudden withdrawal infuriated Siraj, who hurled the ball wide of the stumps and confronted Labuschagne with visible frustration.

Both players exchanged heated gestures, with Siraj’s temper flaring as he gestured to the umpires in protest. Despite the tension, Labuschagne hit a boundary off the very next ball, adding salt to Siraj’s wounds. The fiery contest encapsulated the spirit of Test cricket and left spectators enthralled.

Mohammed Siraj was not too pleased with this ????#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/1QQEI5NE2g

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 6, 2024

Day 1: Australia Take Control Amid Indian Collapse

Amid the drama, the day largely belonged to Australia. Indian batters succumbed to the venom of Mitchell Starc, who returned with career-best figures of 6-48. The visitors managed a modest total of 180, with only Nitish Kumar Reddy standing out with a counter-attacking 42.

In response, Australia reached 86-1 at stumps, with Labuschagne and Nathan McSweeney forging a solid partnership. India’s Jasprit Bumrah claimed the solitary wicket, dismissing Usman Khawaja with a peach of a delivery. However, the Indian bowling unit struggled to replicate its earlier success from the Perth Test.

The Virality of Siraj’s "181.6 kmph" Ball

The speed-gun malfunction provided a humorous distraction in an otherwise challenging day for the Indian team. Videos and memes quickly went viral, with cricket enthusiasts debating the error and enjoying the banter it sparked. For a fleeting moment, Siraj was humorously crowned the world’s fastest bowler, a title that he gracefully laughed off after the game.

Fastest Balls in Cricket History: A Legendary List

The art of fast bowling has always captivated cricket fans, with speedsters pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Here’s a look at the fastest deliveries ever recorded in cricket history:

1. Shoaib Akhtar – 161.3 kmph (100.23 mph) in Pakistan vs. England, 2003 World Cup
2. Shaun Tait – 161.1 kmph (100.1 mph) in Australia vs. England, 2010
3. Brett Lee – 161.1 kmph (100.1 mph) in Australia vs. New Zealand, 2005
4. Jeff Thomson – 160.6 kmph (99.8 mph) in Australia vs. West Indies, 1975
5. Mitchell Starc – 160.4 kmph (99.7 mph) in Australia vs. New Zealand, 2015
6. Andy Roberts – 159.5 kmph (99.1 mph) in West Indies vs. Australia, 1975
7. Fidel Edwards – 157.7 kmph (97.9 mph) in West Indies vs. South Africa, 2003
8. Mitchell Johnson – 156.8 kmph (97.4 mph) in Australia vs. England, 2013 Ashes
9. Jofra Archer – 155 kmph (96.3 mph) in England vs. Australia, 2019 Ashes
10. Mohammed Sami – 156.4 kmph (97.2 mph) in Pakistan vs. Zimbabwe, 2003

Fast bowling remains an integral part of cricket, with these bowlers etching their names in history with their speed and precision. Shoaib Akhtar’s record still stands tall, but new speedsters continue to emerge, pushing the limits of pace in cricket.

Looking Ahead: Day 2 Promises More Action

Australia will look to capitalize on their advantageous position on Day 2, aiming to surpass India’s total under favorable batting conditions. For India, the challenge will be to regroup and strike early with the ball to keep the game alive. With the Adelaide pitch expected to flatten out, the contest between bat and ball remains compelling.

The pink-ball Test has already provided a mix of humor, drama, and intense cricketing action. While Siraj’s "181.6 kmph" delivery may not be a reality, it certainly added an unforgettable moment to the match’s narrative.