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The 1990s are remembered as a golden era of fast bowling — an age of raw pace, rivalry, and legendary quicks. Amid these giants stood a bowler who possessed frightening speed but never earned the global fame of Shoaib Akhtar or Brett Lee: Duncan Spencer. Anyone who ever faced Spencer has a story to tell — usually one filled with awe and fear.
Born in Lancashire and raised in Perth, Spencer’s natural pace was extraordinary. Had his body not repeatedly failed him, he could have represented either England or Australia. West Indies batting great Viv Richards once remarked that Spencer was among the fastest bowlers he ever faced. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting shared similar sentiments.
Ryan Campbell — Durham coach and Spencer’s teammate at Western Australia — described him as “terrifyingly fast.” According to Campbell:
“Throughout my junior career I had the ‘pleasure’ of facing him. Once you watched his run-up, you instantly knew the ball coming your way would be lightning quick — and it always was. He was the fastest of them all.”
Campbell added:
“There are only four bowlers in my life I would describe as unbelievably fast: Shoaib Akhtar, Brett Lee, Shaun Tait, and Duncan Spencer.”
Interestingly, Spencer was not a tall fast bowler. Even at 53, his shoulders are still broad, but he stands just 5 feet 8 inches tall — far below the typical height associated with elite fast bowlers. His physical problems began early; he underwent his first back surgery at the age of just 17.
Former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody once said:
“I compare him with Mark Wood. It’s like fitting a V8 engine inside a Mini Minor — explosive, powerful, and almost impossible to control.”
Though Duncan Spencer’s name may not appear at the top of cricket’s fastest bowlers list, those who faced him will forever remember him as a fearsome, blisteringly quick, and truly unforgettable fast bowler.
