Cricket fans were stunned during the first ODI between Australia and India in Perth when Mitchell Starc’s opening delivery was recorded at an astonishing 176.5 km/h. The moment ignited global buzz about a possible new world record, but officials later confirmed it was a speed gun malfunction. The incident reignited discussions around fast bowling technology and Starc’s status as one of cricket’s most intimidating pacers.
The Speed Gun Shock
The drama unfolded in the opening over of the match at Optus Stadium. Starc’s first ball to Indian skipper Rohit Sharma appeared to clock an unprecedented 176.5 km/h. For a brief moment, fans believed Starc had shattered Shoaib Akhtar’s long-standing world record of 161.3 km/h, set in 2003.
Social media exploded with reactions, with cricket fans and analysts questioning whether modern speed-measuring devices had advanced enough to make such a delivery possible. Screens across the stadium flashed the unbelievable number, and commentary boxes buzzed with disbelief.
Officials Clarify Speed Gun Error
Moments later, match officials stepped in to clarify the situation. The reading, they said, was the result of a technical glitch in the speed gun system. The actual pace of Starc’s delivery was closer to his usual high 140s km/h range.
Cricket Australia later released a brief statement confirming the malfunction, assuring fans that the reading did not reflect the true delivery speed. The correction brought relief and laughter among players and spectators alike.
Still, the brief chaos reminded everyone of the razor-thin margins in elite fast bowling — and how technology can sometimes blur the line between myth and measurement.
Starc Strikes Early
Despite the mix-up, Starc’s bowling was nothing short of lethal. The left-arm quick ripped through India’s top order, claiming the prized wicket of Virat Kohli for a duck. It marked Kohli’s first-ever ODI duck on Australian soil and underlined Starc’s dominance with the new ball.
The dismissal came when Kohli, attempting a cover drive, edged a length delivery straight to Cooper Connolly at backward point. The Indian superstar’s early departure stunned the crowd and gave Australia a crucial breakthrough.
Starc’s opening spell read an impressive 1 for 22 in six overs, once again showcasing why he’s considered one of the most dangerous fast bowlers in the game. His ability to swing the ball both ways at high speed kept the Indian batters guessing throughout.
India’s Struggles Continue
India’s innings never truly recovered after the early setbacks. Rohit Sharma was the first to fall, dismissed by Josh Hazlewood for 8 off 14 balls. The early double blow left India reeling at 13 for 2 within the first four overs.
KL Rahul tried to steady the innings with a composed 38 off 31 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes. But with little support from the middle order, India’s total never gained momentum. The side eventually posted 137 in a rain-shortened 26-over match.
Australia’s pace attack — led by Starc and Hazlewood — maintained relentless pressure, exploiting the bounce and seam movement at Perth’s fast pitch.
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Starc Joins Elite Company
Starc’s dismissal of Kohli carried additional significance. It made him only the second bowler after England’s James Anderson to dismiss the Indian maestro for a duck twice in international cricket.
For a bowler already known for his consistency and aggression, this milestone reinforced his reputation as a game-changer in crucial matches. With over a decade of international experience, Starc continues to be a vital weapon for Australia, especially in limited-overs cricket.
Fans React to the Viral Moment
The brief 176.5 km/h reading instantly went viral. Fans flooded social media platforms with memes, jokes, and theories about Starc’s supposed “superhuman” speed. Many joked that Starc had “broken physics,” while others humorously suggested that the Australian pacer had “borrowed a rocket launcher.”
Even after officials clarified the error, the incident continued trending for hours, highlighting Starc’s global appeal and the fascination surrounding fast bowling records.
Reminder of Cricket’s Technological Challenges
The mix-up also reignited discussions about the accuracy of modern speed detection systems. Experts pointed out that speed guns can occasionally produce errors due to misalignment, atmospheric interference, or reflective surfaces at the venue.
Former players called for more standardized verification methods to prevent similar incidents. They argued that while technology enhances the viewing experience, reliance on unverified readings can sometimes lead to misinformation and confusion.
A Night to Remember
Although the 176.5 km/h reading turned out to be false, it added a layer of drama to an already intense contest. Starc’s fiery spell and Kohli’s rare failure ensured that fans had plenty to talk about.
As both teams prepare for the next ODI, the buzz surrounding Starc’s “record-breaking” ball continues to dominate cricket discussions worldwide. The speed gun may have erred, but the Australian pacer once again reminded everyone why he remains one of the sport’s most thrilling sights with ball in hand.
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