LONDON — England fast bowler Lauren Filer has set her sights on breaking the 80mph barrier, aiming to prove that women can bowl at such blistering speeds. The 23-year-old, who made her international debut in 2023, has already turned heads with her raw pace and is determined to push the boundaries of women’s cricket.
Filer, who plays for Western Storm in domestic cricket, has been clocked at speeds exceeding 75mph—a rarity in the women’s game. In an exclusive interview, she stated, "I want to show that women can bowl at 80mph. It’s about breaking stereotypes and proving that pace isn’t just a men’s domain."
The Quest for Speed
Filer’s ambition isn’t just personal—it’s a statement for the sport. Historically, women’s fast bowling has rarely breached the 75mph mark, with only a handful of bowlers like Australia’s Cathryn Fitzpatrick and England’s Katherine Brunt consistently hitting such speeds. Filer believes the gap between men’s and women’s pace bowling can narrow significantly.
"People assume women can’t bowl fast, but that’s a myth," Filer said. "With the right training, strength work, and mindset, there’s no reason why we can’t see more women hitting 80mph in the next few years."
The Science Behind the Speed
Achieving 80mph requires a combination of biomechanics, strength, and technique. Filer has been working closely with England’s coaching staff, including fast-bowling mentor James Franklin, to refine her action and maximize her pace. Key focus areas include:
- **Explosive lower-body strength** – Generating power from the ground up
- **Efficient arm speed** – Minimizing energy leaks in the delivery stride
- **Core stability** – Maintaining balance and control at high speeds
- **Mental conditioning** – Overcoming the psychological barriers to bowling faster
England’s performance director, Mo Bobat, praised Filer’s dedication: "Lauren’s work ethic is exceptional. She’s not just chasing speed for the sake of it—she’s refining her game to be a genuine threat in all conditions."
Breaking Records and Barriers
The fastest recorded delivery in women’s cricket is 77.7mph, bowled by New Zealand’s Lea Tahuhu in 2019. Filer is already close to that mark, with her quickest ball clocked at 76.2mph during the 2023 Ashes. If she reaches 80mph, she would not only set a new benchmark but also challenge perceptions of what’s possible in the women’s game.
Former England captain Charlotte Edwards believes Filer’s ambition could inspire a generation: "Lauren’s pace is exciting, but her mindset is what sets her apart. She’s showing young girls that speed is achievable with hard work."
The Road Ahead
Filer’s next major challenge is the upcoming T20 World Cup, where she hopes to showcase her progress. While raw pace is her trademark, she’s also developing variations like the slower-ball bouncer to keep batters guessing. "I don’t want to be one-dimensional," she said. "Pace is my weapon, but I’m working on being a complete bowler."
Cricket analysts have noted that Filer’s rise coincides with a broader shift in women’s cricket, where athleticism and power are becoming as crucial as skill. With better training facilities and professional contracts, the gap between men’s and women’s bowling speeds may continue to shrink.
Conclusion
Lauren Filer’s determination to bowl at 80mph isn’t just about personal glory—it’s a statement for the future of women’s cricket. By pushing the limits of pace, she’s proving that speed isn’t gender-specific. As she put it: "If I can do it, others will believe they can too. That’s how the game evolves."
With the right support and continued development, Filer could redefine what’s possible in women’s fast bowling—one thunderous delivery at a time.