Ben Stokes predicts Mark Wood will break 100mph barrier

England captain Ben Stokes believes fast bowler Mark Wood is closing in on breaking the 100mph barrier. 

Wood, who turned 34 recently, clocked an impressive 97.1mph during a blistering spell on the second morning of the second Test against the West Indies at Trent Bridge last week.

Wood’s fastest recorded delivery stands at 97.73mph, with only three bowlers, including Shoaib Akhtar, Brett Lee, and Shaun Tait, believed to have surpassed the 100mph mark in international cricket. 

“He’s got it in the tank,” said Stokes. “He’s been close a couple of times. Maybe one day."

For the upcoming third Test against the Windies, beginning Friday, Wood retains his place in the unchanged England squad.

Reflecting on Wood's speed, Stokes expressed no surprise, saying, “It’s not surprising. It’s great to watch. I’d much rather have him in my team than having to have my helmet and pads on facing him as an opposition.”

During his first spell at Trent Bridge, Wood averaged 94.47mph in the second over, marking the fastest recorded over by an England bowler in a home Test. His record delivery of 97.73mph was delivered to David Warner during the Boxing Day Ashes Test of 2021.

While accurate measurement of bowling speeds can be challenging, Shoaib Akhtar, Brett Lee, and Shaun Tait are acknowledged for having exceeded 100mph in limited-overs cricket, though data analysts Cricviz question these figures.