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'Same Quality As Mohammad Asif' - SL Coach Compares Asitha To Banned PAK Player

Asitha Fernando compared to Mohammad Asif by coach Aaqib Javed (X.com)Asitha Fernando compared to Mohammad Asif by coach Aaqib Javed (X.com)

Sri Lanka's bowling coach, Aaqib Javed, lauded young pacer Asitha Fernando for his standout performance on Day 2 of the first Test against England at Old Trafford. 

Fernando’s figures of 3/68 were highlighted by crucial dismissals, including those of England captain Ollie Pope and experienced batter Joe Root. 

His adeptness at swinging the ball both ways and his skiddy pace made him the most formidable bowler in the Sri Lankan lineup, even though he conceded close to five runs per over.

Aaqib Javed drew a comparison between Fernando and former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif, renowned for his remarkable control and ability to confound batsmen with subtle variations. 

"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," Aaqib said.

"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.

Asif, celebrated for his near-magical skills, captured 106 wickets in just 23 Tests and was famed for outwitting some of the world’s best batsmen. Unfortunately, Asif's promising career was prematurely halted due to his involvement in a spot-fixing scandal in 2010.