While Pakistani speedster Shoaib Akhtar has claimed the glory for becoming the first man to bowl over 100 miles per hour, it appears Australia's Brett Lee may have already beaten him to it.

Last Saturday, Akhtar was clocked at 100.04mph (161kph) in the third one-day international against New Zealand, beating the previous best by Australia's Jeff Thomson of 99.8 mph (160.5kph) set in 1975 in controlled conditions.

Yet, in remarkable circumstances, an anonymous source has sent Lee's manager Neil Maxwell a highlights video of Australia's 2000-01 season, clearly showing Lee bowling a 161.8kph delivery to West Indian Courtney Walsh in Brisbane.

It was the final ball of the Windies' first innings in the first Test at the `Gabba on November 23, 2000.

With the innings closing after the delivery, no spectators, officials or commentators noticed the speed displayed on the screen.

The radar guns used to record bowlers' speeds are not verified by the International Cricket Council.

Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist confessed to having doubts when Lee was credited with a personal best of 157.3kph against South Africa at Cape Town last month.

However, the tape clearly shows Lee breaking the 160km mark almost 18 months ago.

Lee declined to comment on the revelation as he did not wish to take anything away from rival and good friend Akhtar's achievement.

© 2002 AAP