IND vs AUS 1st ODI: Mitchell Starc bowling speed of 176.5 kmph hits the headlines - WATCH
India are facing Australia in the highly anticipated first ODI of the ongoing series, setting the tone for what promises to be a thrilling contest between two cricketing giants. The match took place at the iconic Optus Stadium in Perth on October 19, drawing fans from around the world eager to witness another chapter in this storied rivalry. Australia won the toss and chose to bowl first, putting India in to bat under lively pitch conditions that offered early movement. The decision set the stage for a gripping contest, with both teams fielding strong line-ups and looking to gain an early advantage in the series.
While the match had just begun, one of the most significant moments unfolded in the opening stages. Whether it was a spectacular dismissal, a breakthrough partnership, or a stunning piece of fielding, the early drama gave fans a taste of the high-intensity action to come. With both sides known for their competitive spirit and deep talent pools, the first ODI has already delivered compelling cricket. As the series progresses, this encounter at Optus Stadium could prove to be a defining moment in the battle between India and Australia.
One of the most talked-about moments in the India vs Australia 1st ODI came right at the start of the match, as Mitchell Starc opened the bowling for Australia. Facing Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, Starc delivered a fiery first ball that immediately captured headlines - not for a wicket or swing, but for its astonishing speed reading of 176.5 kmph. The figure flashed on the speed gun left commentators and fans stunned. If accurate, it would not only break records but shatter them.
Scorecard graphics for India Vs Australia ODI series. pic.twitter.com/iJpya9az6v
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Scorecard graphics
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However, it quickly became evident that the Mitchell Starc bowling speed of 176.5 kmph reading was most likely the result of a technical glitch. To put things into perspective, the fastest ball in cricket history officially recorded stands at 161.3 kph, bowled by Pakistan's Shoaib Akhtar to England’s Nick Knight during the 2003 ICC World Cup. That delivery remains the benchmark for raw pace in the game.
Rain stops play in the India vs Australia 1st ODI
In the IND vs AUS opening ODI clash, India got off to a disastrous start, losing key wickets early in the innings. Rohit Sharma was the first to fall, dismissed for just 8 runs. Things went from bad to worse as Virat Kohli departed without scoring, registering a duck. The pressure mounted when newly appointed captain Shubman Gill was also sent back to the pavilion after making only 10 runs, leaving India in deep trouble. With the top order collapsing, the team looked to Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel to rebuild. The pair began to steady the innings, but just as momentum was building, rain interrupted play. The match had already been shortened by an over, and a second downpour forced further delays and reductions.
