Mohammed Shami Vs Mohammed Siraj: Who Is The Best Test Bowler?

The debate surrounding Mohammed Shami’s and Mohammed Siraj’s superiority as Test bowlers is not just about statistics; it also encompasses their achievements and contributions to match victories. Both bowlers have played pivotal roles in the Indian cricket team, but their paths and accomplishments differ significantly. 

This article analyzes their performances, achievements, and overall impact on the game, focusing solely on Test cricket.

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Overview of Their Careers

Mohammed Shami, born on September 3, 1990, has been a mainstay in the Indian bowling lineup since his debut in 2013. With over a decade of experience, he has established himself as one of the most reliable fast bowlers in international cricket.

His ability to swing the ball both ways and maintain a consistent line and length has earned him accolades from cricketing experts.

On the other hand, Mohammed Siraj made his Test debut in 2020. Despite being relatively new to the format, he quickly gained popularity for his aggressive bowling style and impressive performances, particularly in challenging overseas conditions. 

Siraj’s fiery temperament and knack for taking crucial wickets have made him a fan favorite.

Statistical Comparison

To evaluate who is the better bowler, we will compare their overall Test statistics, performances at home and away, and records in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia).

Overall Test Stats

Shami’s experience is evident in his higher wicket tally despite playing more matches than Siraj. However, Siraj’s bowling average indicates his effectiveness at taking wickets.

Home Test Records

In home conditions, Shami significantly outperforms Siraj, demonstrating his ability to exploit local conditions effectively.

Away Test Records

While Siraj shows promise with a better average and strike rate in away matches, Shami’s experience shines through with a greater number of wickets taken.

Performance in SENA Countries

Both bowlers have had notable performances in SENA countries:

• Mohammed Shami has consistently taken wickets in challenging conditions across South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia.
• Mohammed Siraj, although newer to international cricket, has shown remarkable skill in these countries as well.

Achievements and Match-Winning Contributions

Achievements of Mohammed Shami

• Fastest Indian to 100 ODI Wickets: Shami achieved this milestone in just 56 matches, showcasing his effectiveness in limited-overs cricket.
• Outstanding Test Debut: He made a remarkable debut against the West Indies in 2013, taking 9 wickets, the most by an Indian fast bowler on debut.
• Key Role in ICC Tournaments: Shami was instrumental in India’s journey to the semi-finals of the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, finishing as one of the tournament’s leading wicket-takers with 17 wickets at an average of 17.29.
• Test Match Contributions: In the 2021–23 ICC World Test Championship, Shami took crucial wickets, including a standout performance of 5/44 against South Africa.

Match-Winning Contributions

Shami’s ability to deliver under pressure has often turned matches in India’s favor:

• Historic Win Against England (2021): His unbeaten 56 runs* in a crucial partnership helped India achieve a memorable victory at The Oval.
• Dominant Performances at Home and Abroad: Shami has consistently taken wickets in challenging conditions, contributing significantly to India’s Test wins both at home and overseas.

Achievements of Mohammed Siraj

• Rapid Rise in Rankings: Since his debut in 2020, Siraj has become one of India’s premier fast bowlers known for his pace and accuracy.
• Impressive Test Debut: Siraj marked his entry into Test cricket with impactful performances, including taking 5 wickets for 73 runs against Australia during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
• Key Player in Historic Series Wins: He played a crucial role during India’s historic Test series win in Australia (2020-21), where he took key wickets at critical junctures.

Match-Winning Contributions

Siraj’s contributions have been vital:

• Outstanding Performance Against Australia (2021): In the second Test at the Gabba, he took crucial wickets that helped India clinch a historic series victory.
• Consistent Wicket-Taking Ability: His knack for picking up wickets at crucial times has made him a valuable asset to the team.

Expert Opinions

Cricket experts have weighed in on this debate:

• Ian Chappell, former Australian captain, emphasized Shami’s experience and ability to perform under pressure as factors that set him apart.
• Meanwhile, Sourav Ganguly, former Indian captain, praised Siraj’s rapid development and potential to become one of the best fast bowlers if he continues on this trajectory.

Conclusion: Who is the Better Bowler?

While both Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami have made significant contributions to Indian cricket, Mohammed Shami emerges as the more accomplished player based on statistical evidence and match-winning contributions.

His experience and ability to adapt to various conditions make him a valuable asset for the Indian team in Test cricket.

However, it is essential to acknowledge that Siraj is still early in his career and has shown remarkable promise. As he gains more experience and continues to refine his skills, he could very well challenge Shami’s standing as one of India’s premier fast bowlers.

In summary, while both bowlers bring unique strengths to the team, Mohammed Shami currently stands out due to his proven track record and impactful contributions to match victories. The evolution of both players will be closely watched as they continue their journeys in international cricket.

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