Shami vs Cummins: Test Records Compared After 64 Matches

Mohammed Shami announced his retirement from Test Cricket on Friday, November 6, bringing an international red-ball career spanning 13 years to an end. The 36-year-old Indian fast bowler confirmed his decision through a video shared on his official Instagram account, choosing the same date on which he made his Test debut against the West Indies in Kolkata in 2013.

Shami played his final Test for India in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia at The Oval in June 2023. During his emotional retirement message, he thanked his coaches, trainers, physiotherapists and fans for supporting him throughout his journey in the longest format.

Shami finished his Test career with 64 appearances and 229 wickets. Following his retirement, his record can be compared with that of Australia’s Pat Cummins, who had also completed 64 Test matches at the corresponding stage of his career. The comparison covers their overall bowling numbers, five-wicket hauls, performances in victories and records across home, away and neutral conditions.

Mohammed Shami vs Pat Cummins: Who took more wickets after 64 Tests?

After 64 Test matches, Pat Cummins had claimed 279 wickets at an average of 22.63. Shami, meanwhile, finished the same number of appearances with 229 wickets at an average of 27.71. The Australian captain therefore had 50 more wickets than the Indian pacer at this stage of their respective careers.

Shami produced some of his most effective performances against South Africa. He collected 48 wickets in 11 Tests against the Proteas at an average of 20.93. He also claimed 44 wickets in 12 matches against Australia, averaging 32.09, and another 44 wickets in 15 Tests against England at an average of 38.29.

Cummins also recorded strong numbers against several major Test-playing nations. He took 91 wickets in 19 matches against England at an average of 24.10. Against India, he claimed 60 wickets in 15 Tests at an average of 26. His record against South Africa included 41 wickets in eight matches at an average of 19.31.

These figures highlight the difference in their overall wicket-taking records after 64 Tests. Cummins had more wickets and a lower bowling average, while both fast bowlers recorded significant success against leading international opponents.

Mohammed Shami vs Pat Cummins: Who had more five-wicket hauls?

Shami completed his Test career with six five-wicket hauls. His best innings figures were 6-56, which came against Australia in Perth in December 2018. He also produced several important five-wicket performances against South Africa, including 5-28 in Johannesburg in January 2018 and 5-35 in Visakhapatnam in October 2019.

One of Shami’s notable achievements came on his Test debut against the West Indies in Kolkata in November 2013, when he recorded figures of 5-47. The performance provided an early indication of his ability to make an impact in the longest format.

Cummins had registered 13 five-wicket hauls after 64 Tests, more than twice Shami’s total. His best bowling figures were 6-23 against Sri Lanka in Brisbane in January 2019. Other notable performances included 6-27 against India in Melbourne in December 2018, 6-79 against South Africa in Johannesburg in November 2011 and 6-91 against England in Leeds in July 2023.

Shami vs Cummins: Bowling statistics after 64 Test matches.

The figures show that Cummins had the advantage in wickets, bowling average, five-wicket hauls and 10-wicket match performances after 64 Tests. Shami’s six five-wicket hauls included important contributions in India and overseas conditions.

Mohammed Shami vs Pat Cummins: Who had the better record in Test victories?

Shami claimed 118 wickets in 31 Test victories for India, averaging 20.34. He registered four five-wicket hauls in those matches, with his best bowling figures being 5-28. His performances in winning matches demonstrated his ability to contribute significantly when India secured victories.

In 20 Test defeats, Shami picked up 63 wickets at an average of 36.04, including one five-wicket haul. He also claimed 48 wickets in 13 drawn matches, averaging 34.87.

Cummins had taken 173 wickets in 36 Test victories after 64 appearances, averaging 18.09. He registered 10 five-wicket hauls and two 10-wicket match hauls in those wins, with his best innings figures being 6-23.

In 18 defeats, Cummins collected 74 wickets at an average of 28.62, including three five-wicket hauls. His record in drawn matches included 32 wickets in 10 Tests at an average of 33.28, with best figures of 4-29.

Shami vs Cummins: Bowling statistics in Test victories after 64 matches.

Cummins recorded more wickets and five-wicket hauls in victories, while also maintaining a lower average. Shami’s 118 wickets in winning matches and four five-wicket hauls formed an important part of his contribution to India’s Test results.

Mohammed Shami vs Pat Cummins: Who had the better away record?

Shami played 41 away Tests during his 64-match career, taking 145 wickets at an average of 30.33. He registered four five-wicket hauls in those matches, with his best performance being 6-56.

At home, the Indian fast bowler claimed 76 wickets in 21 Tests at an average of 22.10, including two five-wicket hauls. He also appeared in two neutral-venue Tests, collecting eight wickets at an average of 33.50.

Cummins took 113 wickets in 28 away Tests at an average of 25.94, also recording four five-wicket hauls. His best innings figures in those matches were 6-79.

The Australian fast bowler’s home record included 162 wickets in 35 Tests at an average of 20.02. He registered nine five-wicket hauls and two 10-wicket match hauls in those appearances. In one neutral-venue Test, the 2023 World Test Championship final against India, Cummins claimed four wickets.

Shami vs Cummins: Away bowling statistics after 64 Test matches.

The away figures show that Shami took more wickets in more matches, while Cummins maintained a lower average. Both fast bowlers registered four five-wicket hauls in away conditions. Their home records also reflect their contributions in different cricketing environments, with Cummins recording more wickets and five-wicket hauls at home.

Shami’s Test career ends after 64 matches

Shami’s retirement brings an end to a 13-year journey in India’s red-ball setup. From making his debut against the West Indies in Kolkata on November 6, 2013, to his final appearance in the WTC final against Australia in June 2023, he remained an important fast-bowling option for the national team.

His final tally of 229 wickets in 64 Tests, including six five-wicket hauls, reflects his contribution to Indian Cricket. His performances against South Africa and Australia, along with his ability to deliver important spells in challenging conditions, formed significant parts of his career.

The comparison with Cummins offers a statistical look at two fast bowlers after the same number of Test appearances. Cummins had more wickets, a lower average and more five-wicket hauls, while Shami finished with a substantial record of his own across home, away and neutral conditions.

Shami’s decision to announce his retirement on November 6, the anniversary of his Test debut, gave the announcement additional significance. As he thanked the people who supported him throughout his career, Indian cricket brought the curtain down on one of its notable fast-bowling journeys in the longest format.