Sri Lanka has always been known for its spin masters, but a new pace sensation is now stealing the spotlight, and he is Asitha Fernando.
After an impressive performance on the tour of England, Asitha Fernando has emerged as one of the most promising fast bowlers on the international stage, and pundits are already touting him as a potential legend in the making.
The quick right-hander caught the eye in the three-match Test series, finishing as the highest wicket-taker with 17. His finest hour came at the iconic Lord’s, where Asitha Fernando’s fiery five-wicket haul put Sri Lanka in the driving seat.
Fans and critics alike were amazed by his pace, accuracy and lethal swing that gave some of the world’s best hitters a hard time.
Asitha Fernando emerges as Sri Lanka’s new gem after an impressive tour of England
Prior to her exploits on the tour of England, Asitha Fernando had already shown flashes of brilliance during a home series against India, hinting that her rise to stardom was not far away.
But it was the tour of England that cemented his reputation as a fearsome player, propelling him into the top 10 of the ICC Test Players Rankings. His remarkable jump to eighth place in the rankings is evidence of his growing dominance in the game.
Despite a slow start to her Test career, where she managed just seven wickets in her first four matches, Asitha Fernando’s fortunes took a sharp turn with a sensational 10-wicket haul against Bangladesh. From that point on, it was clear that Sri Lanka has a real gem.
As Sri Lanka cruised to a thumping 8-wicket win over England in the final Test at The Oval, Fernando’s rise was in the spotlight. His rapid rise through the rankings and ability to consistently perform in tough conditions has led to him being compared to some of the greatest players to have ever played the game.
Asitha Fernando could be Sri Lanka’s best fast bowler: Aaqib Javed
Sri Lankan bowling coach Aaqib Javed has been one of Asitha Fernando’s biggest fans and has predicted that the quick bowler has the potential to become Sri Lanka’s greatest ever.
With his lethal combination of pace, swing and the ability to move the ball in both directions, Fernando is a complete package that can destroy any batting lineup on his day, according to Javed.
He said Asitha Fernando could easily dominate the international scene in the coming years with proper guidance and careful management.
As Sri Lanka continues to develop its young crop of cricketers, Fernando stands at the forefront of this new generation, carrying the hopes of a nation on his shoulders, and Javed feels he will be the next big fast bowling superstar.
Javed said in the post-match press conference: “I think this kid is also improving in the rankings, in the bowling rankings. I think he has all the potential. I was talking to him that if he takes care of himself, in seven or eight years he could become the best Sri Lankan fast bowler of all time. He has pace, he has swing and the uniqueness that we taught him in the first Test, the ability to move both ways with the new ball. I think he is really impressive.”
Aaqib Javed believes Asitha Fernando can be Sri Lanka’s best fast bowler 🗣️ image.twitter.com/lOIQHAksc1
-ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) September 10, 2024
