Sri Lanka has all the time been recognized for its spin maestros, however a brand new tempo sensation is now stealing the highlight, and he’s Asitha Fernando.
After a jaw-dropping efficiency on the England tour, Asitha Fernando has emerged as one of the vital promising quick bowlers on the worldwide stage, and specialists are already touting him as a possible legend within the making.
The precise-arm speedster turned heads within the three-match Check collection, ending as the very best wicket-taker with 17 wickets. His greatest second got here on the iconic Lord’s, the place Asitha Fernando’s fiery five-wicket haul put Sri Lanka within the driver’s seat.
Followers and critics had been left in awe of his tempo, precision, and deadly swing that troubled a number of the world’s prime batters.
Asitha Fernando emerges as Sri Lanka’s new gem after beautiful England tour
Earlier than his heroics on the England tour, Asitha Fernando had already proven glimpses of brilliance throughout a house collection in opposition to India, hinting that his rise to stardom was not far-off.
Nevertheless it was the England tour that cemented his status as a bowler to be feared, propelling him into the highest 10 of the ICC Check Gamers Rankings. His outstanding bounce to eighth place within the rankings is proof of his rising dominance within the sport.
Regardless of a gradual begin to his Check profession, the place he managed solely seven wickets in his first 4 matches, Asitha Fernando’s fortunes took a pointy flip with a sensational 10-wicket match haul in opposition to Bangladesh. From that second, it grew to become clear that Sri Lanka has a real gem.
As Sri Lanka wrapped up a commanding 8-wicket victory over England within the last Check at The Oval, Fernando’s rise was the speak of the city. His fast climb within the rankings and his potential to constantly carry out in difficult circumstances have led to his comparisons with a number of the best pacers the sport has seen.
Asitha Fernando might be the best Sri Lankan quick bowler: Aaqib Javed
Sri Lanka’s bowling coach, Aaqib Javed, has been one in every of Asitha Fernando’s largest followers, predicting that the quick bowler has the potential to change into the best in Sri Lanka’s historical past.
Together with his lethal mixture of tempo, swing, and the flexibility to maneuver the ball each methods, Fernando is an entire package deal who can destroy any batting lineup on his day, in keeping with Javed.
He mentioned that Asitha Fernando may simply dominate the worldwide scene within the coming years with the proper steerage and cautious administration.
As Sri Lanka continues to develop its younger crop of cricketers, Fernando stands on the forefront of this new technology, carrying the hopes of a nation on his shoulders, and Javed feels he would be the subsequent nice fast-bowling famous person.
Javed mentioned on the post-match press convention: “I feel this man is bettering within the rankings as properly, the bowling rankings. I feel he has bought all of the potential. I used to be discussing with him, one other seven to eight years, in the event you take care of your self, you could be the best ever Sri Lankan quick bowler. He has bought tempo, he has bought swing, and uniqueness which we taught within the first Check, the flexibility to maneuver each methods with the brand new ball. I feel he’s actually spectacular.”
Aaqib Javed thinks Asitha Fernando could be Sri Lanka’s greatest-ever quick bowler 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/lOIQHAksc1
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) September 10, 2024
