Young pacer Asitha Fernando was recently compared to former Pakistani bowler Mohammad Asif, who was renowned for his extraordinary ability to swing the ball, by Aaqib Javed, the bowling coach for Sri Lanka.
After Fernando’s outstanding performance on Day 2 of the first Test match between the island nation and England at Old Trafford, Javed made the analogy.
Fernando’s stats of 3/68 included the valuable wickets of both veteran batsman Joe Root and captain Ollie Pope, despite giving up runs at a rate of almost five per over.
He was the most dangerous bowler in the Sri Lankan attack because of his skilful pace and ability to swing the ball both ways. Drawing from his extensive background in spotting and developing potential, Javed felt that Fernando’s bowling possessed a unique quality.
“I informed him that I noticed such quality in him after Mohammad Asif of Pakistan. Few people are aware of his talent. He can swing the ball both directions without shifting his wrist, according to Aaqib, who was cited by Cricket Pakistan.
Actually, I chose Aaqib Javed, or Muhammad Asif.
Asif played just 23 Test matches but amassed 106 wickets in a short but significant career. Javed has always had a talent sense. He recounted his encounter with the former pacer from Pakistan.
“In reality, I chose Muhammad Asif. He was not part of the data. It’s how I got to know Asif so well. You may not always be aware of what is happening to your wrist. Asitha currently has varying degrees of confidence. People switch up their wrists and the way their shine shows, but Asitha is so talented that the batters are even unsure of which direction it will go,” he continued.
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After winning the toss, the visitors chose to bat first and scored 236 runs in the opening innings. After two days of play, the hosts had taken a 23-run lead with 259/6.
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