**Mohammed Siraj vs Kagiso Rabada: A Comprehensive Bowling Comparison After 43 Tests**
Pacer Mohammed Siraj is set to be a key member of the Indian bowling attack during the upcoming two-match home Test series against South Africa. While Jasprit Bumrah will undoubtedly lead the pace spearhead, Siraj has also established himself as a crucial part of the team over the last few years. Notably, even as Bumrah was rested for two of the five Tests in England, Siraj played all the matches and finished as the leading wicket-taker in the series. The right-arm pacer played a defining role in India leveling that series 2-2.
The 31-year-old also featured in both home Tests against the West Indies last month and has so far played 43 Test matches. Ahead of the India-South Africa series, it is interesting to compare his stats with those of South Africa’s pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada, who had also played 43 Tests at the same point.
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### Wickets and Bowling Average After 43 Tests
In 43 Tests, Mohammed Siraj has claimed 133 wickets at an average of 29.69. Breaking down his performances against key opponents:
– **England:** 50 wickets in 16 matches at an average of 33.68
– **Australia:** 39 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 32.51
– **South Africa:** 12 wickets in 4 matches at an average of 24.16
Kagiso Rabada’s numbers after 43 Tests are more impressive on paper, with 197 wickets at a stellar average of 22.95. A look at his stats against top opposition reveals:
– **England:** 52 wickets in 9 matches at a remarkable average of 15.80
– **Australia:** 38 wickets in 7 matches at an average of 20.50
– **Sri Lanka:** 35 wickets in 7 matches at an average of 21.51
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### Five-Wicket Hauls After 43 Tests
Siraj has taken five five-wicket hauls in his 43 Tests. His best innings figures are 6-15 against South Africa in Cape Town (January 2024). He also recorded 6-70 against England in Birmingham (July 2025). The other three five-fers came against Australia, England, and West Indies.
On the other hand, Rabada had nine five-wicket hauls and four 10-wicket match hauls to his credit after 43 Tests. His best figures then were 7-112 against England in Centurion (January 2016). He also took 6-54 against Australia in Gqeberha (March 2018). Of his nine five-fers, three came against Australia, three against England, two versus Bangladesh, and one against Sri Lanka.
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### Performance in Matches Won
Mohammed Siraj has featured in 24 Tests that India have won. In those victories, he picked up 86 wickets at an average of 21.24, including four five-wicket hauls. In contrast, across 14 Tests that India lost, he claimed 32 wickets at a higher average of 46.15. In five drawn Tests, he picked up 15 wickets at 43.06, with one five-wicket haul.
Rabada’s record in winning causes after 43 Tests is outstanding. He played in 20 South African victories and took 122 wickets at an exceptional average of 17.51, including eight five-fers and four 10-wicket match hauls. In 18 losses, Rabada took 66 wickets at 29.13, and in five draws, he claimed 9 wickets at 51.44.
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### Away Record Comparison
Siraj has played 26 away Tests, taking 99 wickets at an average of 29.58, including all five of his five-wicket hauls. He also has one neutral Test in which he took five wickets, averaging 37.60. At home, Siraj has picked up 29 wickets in 16 Tests at an average of 28.72.
Rabada’s away record after 43 Tests shows he featured in 17 matches abroad, where he took 56 wickets at an average of 30.16 with one five-wicket haul. At home, Rabada excelled, claiming 141 wickets in 26 Tests at a low average of 20.09. His home tally includes eight five-fers and four 10-wicket match hauls.
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### Conclusion
Both Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada have made significant impacts for their respective teams in their first 43 Tests, with Rabada holding the edge in terms of wickets, averages, and match-winning performances. Siraj, however, has demonstrated resilience and the ability to perform consistently, especially in winning causes for India.
As the India-South Africa home Test series approaches, fans can look forward to a thrilling contest between these two premier fast bowlers.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/mohammed-siraj-vs-kagiso-rabada-comparing-stats-43-tests
