Cricket balls typically travel at speeds of around 120-150 kilometers per hour (approximately 75-93 miles per hour) when bowled by a fast bowler.
Here's a breakdown of factors affecting the speed and characteristics of a cricket ball's trajectory:
- Bowler's Technique: A bowler's action, including their run-up, arm speed, and wrist position, significantly impacts the ball's velocity.
- Air Resistance: At these speeds, the airflow around the cricket ball is highly turbulent, leading to complex aerodynamic effects that influence the ball's movement through the air. This turbulence affects the pressure distribution on the ball's surface.
- Seam and Grip: The seam of the cricket ball plays a crucial role. Skilled bowlers can use the seam to generate swing, making the ball deviate in the air due to asymmetrical airflow. The bowler's grip is also important to control the direction and rotation of the ball.
- Pitch Conditions: The nature of the pitch (e.g., grassy, dry, uneven) affects the ball's bounce and speed after it hits the ground.
- Ball Condition: The condition of the ball, particularly the shine on one side, influences swing bowling. A newer, shinier ball will generally swing more than an older, scuffed ball.
While 120-150 km/h is typical for fast bowlers, exceptional bowlers can sometimes exceed these speeds. The fastest recorded delivery in cricket was bowled by Shoaib Akhtar at 161.3 km/h (100.2 mph).
