underwent a timed bowling speed test which resulted in 85 mph for Statham and 89 mph for Tyson, though Tyson was not bowling flat out as he had done in Australia. In addition, the test took place in wet conditions. In good bowling conditions, Statham's top speed would have been over ninety, which is very fast indeed. The generally accepted world record for the fastest recorded delivery of a cricket ball is 100.23 mph by Shoaib Akhtar at Cape Town's Newlands Cricket Ground in February 2003. 1955 to 1957 1955 season Lancashire slipped to ninth in the County Championship, largely because Statham had no regular fast bowling partner and, crucially given frequent unavailability, no backup. He played for the county only sixteen times, half their total matches, because of not only Test calls but also illness and injury problems. In county cricket, he took 84 wickets at 12.82 and Playfair said he remained the major problem for opposing batsmen at Old Trafford, especially so on good pitches which didn't help other bowlers. The Test series was against South Africa and ended in a 3–2 win for England who had won the first two matches only for South Africa to win the next two and level the series for a decider at the Oval. Statham played in four Tests but missed the third at Old Trafford. He opened the bowling with Tyson in the first Test at Trent Bridge, where England won by an innings and 5 runs. He took only one wicket in the match while Tyson was the matchwinner by taking five wickets in 45 balls to destroy the South African second innings. Tyson was injured before the Lord's Test and Trueman was recalled to partner Statham in a home Test for the first time. England won the toss and batted first but were dismissed for only 133 and South Africa reached 142 for five at close of play on the first day. They were all out on day two for 304, a substantial lead of 171, Statham and Trueman taking two wickets each. England's batsmen did much better in the second innings and totalled 353 before being all out on the Saturday evening. South Africa, with two full days left, needed 183 to win. Statham dismissed both openers before the close when South Africa were precariously placed at 17 for two which was in effect 17 for three