
As cricket fans eagerly watch, Mohammad Shami continues his journey in the Ranji Trophy, seeking a spot back in the international arena. His recent performances have sparked comparisons with Australian great Glenn McGrath. Let’s analyze their respective statistics after 64 Tests.
Shami has claimed 229 wickets in his 64-Test career, achieving an average of 27.71. Notably, 48 of these wickets were taken in 11 matches against South Africa, where he posted an impressive average of 20.93. His stats also include:
| Opponent | Matches | Wickets | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 11 | 48 | 20.93 |
| Australia | 12 | 44 | 32.09 |
| England | 15 | 44 | 38.29 |
In contrast, McGrath’s tally after 64 Tests stands at 302 wickets, with an average of 21.71. His efficiency is illustrated by his performance against the West Indies, where he claimed 87 wickets in just 15 matches, averaging 16.44. Here’s a look at his statistics:
| Opponent | Matches | Wickets | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Indies | 15 | 87 | 16.44 |
| England | 13 | 66 | 21.54 |
| Pakistan | 11 | 48 | 27.58 |
Shami has recorded six five-wicket hauls, with a personal best of 6-56 against Australia. In winning matches for India, he holds a record of 118 wickets at an average of 20.34. On the other hand, McGrath has achieved 18 five-fers with his best of 8-38 against England. His winning stats are impressive, with 203 wickets at an average of 19.48.
Both players have exhibited remarkable skills, but McGrath sets a high benchmark. The following table summarizes their performance:
| Player | Total Wickets | Average | Five-Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammad Shami | 229 | 27.71 | 6 |
| Glenn McGrath | 302 | 21.71 | 18 |
As Shami aims to replicate and surpass the achievements of McGrath, cricket enthusiasts will continue to watch these stats closely. Both players, each phenomenal in their era, showcase the evolving talent in the world of cricket.






