Ex-Kiwi Batter Lou Vincent Reveals Dramatic Image of Abdomen Guard Broken by Shoaib Akhtar's Delivery

Former New Zealand opening batsman Lou Vincent has provided a visceral reminder of the physical dangers of international cricket, sharing a photograph of the protective equipment that failed to withstand the pace of Shoaib Akhtar. The image, which shows an abdomen guard (box) split nearly in half, has reignited discussions regarding the unprecedented speeds reached by the Pakistani fast bowler during the early 2000s. Yashasvi Jaiswal Singing Border 2 Song 'Ghar Kab Aaoge' Viral Video Sparks Social Media Humour.

The pic was posted first by Lou Vincent as Instagram story and later re-shared by The Alternative Cricket Commentary (ACC), highlights a specific encounter where Vincent was struck by a delivery from the man famously nicknamed the "Rawalpindi Express." The damage to the high-density plastic serves as a testament to the era when Akhtar routinely clocked speeds exceeding 150 km/h (93 mph).

Lou Vincent Instagram Story

The photograph displays a standard white abdomen guard with a significant vertical fracture through its centre. According to Vincent, the damage occurred during a period when Akhtar was at the peak of his physical powers, a time when he famously became the first bowler to officially break the 100 mph barrier during the 2003 World Cup. CSK Player Matt Short Winces In Pain As His Kid Accidentally Hits Him In Groin With Toy Golf Club, Video Goes Viral.

For many modern fans, the image is a sobering look at the impact of extreme pace. While modern protective gear has advanced significantly in the two decades since the incident, the structural failure of Vincent’s equipment illustrates the sheer kinetic energy generated by the fastest bowlers in the history of the sport.

The Challenge of Facing Shoaib Akhtar

Throughout his career, Lou Vincent was known for his aggressive approach at the top of the order, but like many of his contemporaries, he found Akhtar to be a uniquely intimidating prospect. The Pakistani seamer’s long run-up and explosive delivery stride made him a focal point of New Zealand’s tours to the subcontinent and Pakistan's visits to the Southern Hemisphere.

Recalling the era, many former players have noted that facing Akhtar was less about run-scoring and more about physical survival in the opening overs. Vincent’s shared memory underscores the psychological and physical toll taken on opening batsmen who were tasked with blunting the new ball against such velocity.

Lou Vincent Shows Broken Equipment

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The ACC (@theaccnz)

Historical Context: The Speed Race

The incident sits within a storied history of fast-bowling injuries and equipment failures. Cricket in the late 1990s and early 2000s was dominated by a "speed race" between the likes of Shoaib Akhtar and Australia’s Brett Lee.

• Shoaib Akhtar’s Record: 161.3 km/h (100.2 mph) vs England, 2003.

• Safety Evolution: Such incidents eventually led to more rigorous testing for cricket safety gear, including helmets and guards, to ensure they could withstand impacts at higher speeds.

  In sharing the image, Vincent joins a growing list of retired cricketers who use social media to offer "behind-the-scenes" insights into the professional game. Since moving away from the sport following his lifetime ban in 2014 (which was partially lifted in late 2023 to allow him to participate in domestic cricket again), Vincent has been candid about both the highs and lows of his career.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 27, 2026 06:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).