Shaun Tait, who is married to Indian model, Mashoom Singha went on social networking site Twitter and announced that he had become an Overseas Citizen of India. (Reuters/Twitter)

Retired Australian pacer and one of the fastest bowlers in the history of the game, Shaun Tait is an Indian now. Tait, who is married to Indian model, Mashoom Singha went on social networking site Twitter and announced that he had become an Overseas Citizen of India. Tait has met Mashoom for the first during an afterparty of the Indian Premier League when he was playing for the Rajasthan Royals in 2010. The couple hit it off and after four years of dating had gotten married in 2014. Tait was an integral part of the Australian team under Ricky Ponting, that won the 2007 World Cup in 2007. Coming relatively inexperienced into the team as Brett Lee’s replacement, Tait went on to become the second highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 23 wickets at an average of 20.30.



Tait, during the peak of his rather short career, was considered as the fastest bowler in the world and has recorded a top speed of 161.1 km/hr against England in 2010, a record he shares with Brett Lee. Shoaib Akhtar tops the chart in the regard with the fastest ball in history, bowled at 161.3 km/hr. Making his debut in 2005 against England, Tait was highly inconsistent and could not cement his place in an invincible and unforgiving Australian side. He represented the Aussies in 3 Tests, 35 ODIs and 21 T20s picking up 95 wickets.

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On January 29, 2008, Shaun Tait had taken voluntary retirement from the game for an indefinite period of time, stating that he was physically and mentally exhausted. Tait had played his last international match against India in 2016. So if you are wondering if he could represent India, then no. The ICC rules state that he needs 4 years after his last international performance to represent another country. Tait has currently retired from all forms of First Class cricket and is known to be focussing on prolonging his T20 career, a sector of the game that suits his playing style and injury prone career. Shaun Tait will always be remembered as one the finest talents who never made it to the big leagues.