Former Pakistan Test cricketer and Sri Lanka’s bowling coach Aaqib Javed showered massive praise on young Sri Lankan pacer Asitha Fernando by comparing him with Mohammad Asif.
Right-arm pacer Asif, who represented Pakistan in 23 Tests, 38 ODIs and 11 T20Is from 2005 to 2010, was considered one of the most gifted and skilful pacers, having been acknowledged by the likes of AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla and Kevin Pietersen.
Meanwhile, Fernando, in the ongoing first away Test against England, impressed with his performance, returning figures of 3/68 which included key wickets of Ollie Pope and Joe Root.
The right-arm pacer, despite conceding runs at almost five runs per over, caused trouble to the home side with his skiddy pace and ability to swing both ways.
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Acknowledging Asitha Fernando’s brilliance, Aaqib Javed compared him with Mohammad Asif.
“I told him that after Mohammad Asif of Pakistan I saw that quality in him. Not many people know about his ability. Without changing his wrist, he can swing the ball both ways,” said Aaqib.
Aaqib then went on to reveal that he was the one who picked Asif, who was not even a part of the system back then.
“I actually picked Mohammad Asif. He wasn’t in the system. That’s how I know Asif a lot. Sometimes you don’t know what happens with your wrist. He (Asitha) has now got different confidence levels. People change their wrists, change the shine (which way it is showing) – but Asitha is so gifted, and they (the batters) even don’t know which way it will go,’ he further added.
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