The force which goes through Brett Lee's front foot every time he bowls is as daunting as the thunderbolt which follows.
In a recent analysis of Australia's pacemen, computers suggested that this country's fastest bowler was propelling as much as 10 times his own body weight through his left leg in the act of generating deliveries which can top 150km/h.
This compares to Jason Gillespie, who has the pressure of about seven times his body weight, and Glenn McGrath, about three times his weight, every time they bowl.
So Lee can have nine metal sprigs on a slippery pitch attempting to hold fast more than 800kg of force the instant before he releases the ball.
The physics of these circumstances suggest that it is probably a miracle he has not bowled more than one lethal head-high delivery a tournament during the last year or so.
Lee's problems are compounded by the fact that he has a low bowling action which makes him a "skidder".
While McGrath and Gillespie, who stand almost two metres tall, try to deliver the ball from as high as possible to maximise the bounce generated by their height, Lee is different.
He has a low, slinging action which means his force is pushing him through the crease more than the other two quicks, who are pulling themselves and the ball down into the pitch.
This compounds Lee's problems with his footholds and the likelihood of a beamer.
However, while simple mechanics may make him more prone to a dangerous accident, it is no excuse.
There is no place in cricket at any level for high full-tosses, particularly those directed at the head. It is Lee's responsibility, with the help and support of the Australian team hierarchy, to ensure that it does not keep happening.
If Lee was consistently bowling no-balls or wides, his senior colleagues and the coach would be working furiously to correct the problem.
Should it persist he would be out of the side. This is no different. But the responsibilities go beyond just Lee and the Australians.
Cricket authorities, particularly ground authorities, must make sure they provide a safe workplace.
It is 36 years since a man landed on the moon. Surely there is enough space-age technology around to ensure that a fast bowler is not slipping 20cm through the crease at the point of delivery.
There is no reason why the two metres leading up to the front crease cannot be permanently covered or mixed with substances to create greater support for bowlers.
Deep footholes at the point of delivery worn by days of bowling in a Test can often add to the danger. Something needs to be done, starting with Brett Lee in the nets.
- MALCOLM CONN