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Sri Lanka's bowling coach Aaqib Javed praised young fast bowler Asitha Fernando for his exceptional performance on the second day of the first Test match against England at Old Trafford. Fernando shone with the ball in the ongoing Test against England. Fernando's impressive figures of 3/68 included the prized wickets of England captain Ollie Pope and veteran batters Joe Root.
Asitha Fernando's ability to swing the ball both ways and his skiddy pace made him the most threatening bowler in the Sri Lankan lineup, despite conceding nearly five runs per over. Aaqib Javed compared Fernando to former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif, known for his exceptional control and ability to deceive batsmen with subtle variations.
Asitha Fernando compared 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," 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, renowned for his extraordinary bowling abilities, claimed 106 wickets in only 23 Test matches. He was famous for outmaneuvering some of the world's top batsmen. However, Asif's promising career was cut short in 2010 due to his involvement in a spot-fixing scandal.
Talking about the match as of Day 2, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith played a pivotal role in securing England a 23-run first-innings lead over Sri Lanka in the opening Test. His unbeaten 72 helped England reach 259/6 before play was prematurely ended due to inclement weather on Day 2 at Old Trafford on August 22. In response to Sri Lanka's 236 all out, England also received significant contributions from Harry Brook (56) and Joe Root (42). However, rain interruptions washed out the morning session and forced an early finish with over an hour of play remaining after tea. Jamie Smith, playing in his fourth Test match after being appointed England's new wicketkeeper for the summer, has continued his impressive form. He scored 95 and 70 during England's 3-0 series win over the West Indies last month and now has another Test half-century to his name. With five fours and one six to his credit, Smith was at the crease with Gus Atkinson (4 not out) at the close of play.
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