The Time Bhuvneshwar Kumar Clocked a ‘208 kmph’ Speed in Ireland

In the fast-paced world of cricket, where bowlers regularly push the limits of speed, the speedometer has been a key tool for assessing and broadcasting the velocity of each delivery. While the majority of speed measurements are accurate, there have been occasional anomalies where the readings defy logic and reality. These glitches highlight the imperfections of technology and serve as reminders that even the most reliable tools can malfunction.

One such incident recently occurred during the second Test between India and Australia at the iconic Adelaide Oval, where an unbelievable reading left both fans and experts scratching their heads.

Siraj’s 181.6 kmph Delivery: A Blatant Anomaly

During the final session of Day 1 in the second Test match at the Adelaide Oval, Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj bowled a delivery that the speedometer registered at 181.6 kmph. This reading was a clear anomaly given that Siraj typically bowls in the late 130s kmph range with his right-arm pace. The erroneous reading was quickly noticed by commentators and fans, as it far exceeded not just Siraj’s average speed but also the world record for the fastest delivery ever bowled.

For context, the fastest recorded delivery in cricket history stands at 161.3 kmph, bowled by Pakistan’s legendary fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar during the 2003 ICC World Cup match against England. To suggest that Siraj had exceeded that mark by a whopping 20 kmph was implausible.

While the error was rectified and dismissed as a technical glitch, it once again brought attention to the fallibility of speed measurement tools in cricket.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s Speedometer Glitch: 208 kmph in Ireland

This was not an isolated incident. A similar occurrence took place during the rain-curtailed first T20I between India and Ireland in June 2022 at Malahide. The match was reduced to 12 overs per side due to inclement weather, but the speedometer readings in that game raised eyebrows and sparked humorous reactions.

Indian swing bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, known for his ability to move the ball rather than for raw pace, saw his speedometer readings display jaw-dropping speeds of 201 kmph and 208 kmph. These speeds were well beyond his usual bowling range of 130-135 kmph. The readings were not only unrealistic but also exceeded Shoaib Akhtar’s record-setting delivery.

Despite these bizarre numbers, Bhuvneshwar had an excellent performance, finishing with figures of 1-16 in three overs, including a maiden. India went on to secure a comfortable win by seven wickets. The anomalies in the readings were quickly identified as technical malfunctions, but they added a layer of amusement to an otherwise routine game.

Understanding the Technology Behind Speedometers

Cricket speedometers, also known as radar guns or Hawk-Eye systems, use advanced radar and camera-based technology to measure the speed of a ball as it leaves the bowler’s hand. The basic principle involves a radar device sending out radio waves that bounce back when they hit the moving ball. The time it takes for the waves to return helps calculate the ball’s speed.

Potential Causes of Errors

Though these devices are generally accurate, various factors can lead to anomalies in readings:

1. Interference: External interference from electronic devices, weather conditions, or broadcasting equipment can disrupt radar signals.
2. Calibration Issues: If the radar gun is not correctly calibrated, it may produce inaccurate measurements.
3. Positioning of Equipment: The angle and position of the radar gun relative to the bowler can impact readings. If the device is not aligned perfectly, the speed may be miscalculated.
4. Software Glitches: The software that processes radar data can sometimes malfunction, leading to unrealistic speed readings.
5. Ball Movement: In the case of slower deliveries or deceptive changes in pace, the system may struggle to accurately determine the ball’s velocity.

Historical Context: Other Notable Speedometer Glitches

Instances of speedometer glitches are not confined to modern-day cricket. Over the years, there have been several notable cases where improbable readings created confusion and amusement:

• Shaun Tait (Australia): In a match during the 2010s, Tait, a bowler known for his extreme pace, had a reading of 180 kmph flash up on the screen. The error was soon dismissed as a glitch.
• Pat Cummins (Australia): During an ODI match, a Pat Cummins delivery registered at 175 kmph, which was clearly beyond his natural bowling capability.

These anomalies, though rare, demonstrate the limits of technology and the importance of human oversight in verifying unusual data.

The Importance of Reliable Speed Measurements

Accurate speed measurements are crucial in cricket for several reasons:

1. Performance Analysis: Bowlers use speed data to analyze their performance and make adjustments to their technique or strategy.
2. Viewer Engagement: Fans enjoy knowing how fast a bowler is bowling, especially when records are being challenged.
3. Safety Monitoring: Speed data helps assess the potential risks associated with high-speed deliveries, ensuring safety protocols for batters.

Given these factors, ensuring the reliability of speedometers is vital for the integrity of the game.

Conclusion: A Humorous Glitch, but a Reminder for Accuracy

The recent glitches involving Mohammed Siraj and Bhuvneshwar Kumar serve as humorous reminders that even sophisticated technology has its limitations. While these errors were quickly identified and dismissed, they highlight the need for continuous improvement and regular calibration of speed measurement tools.

Cricket fans can rest assured that Shoaib Akhtar’s record of 161.3 kmph remains unbroken — at least for now. Until the next glitch provides a moment of laughter, bowlers, technology, and human oversight will continue working together to keep the spirit of the game accurate and engaging.