Aaqib Javed compares Asitha Fernando to Mohammad Asif after his swing mastery in Manchester Test

Sri Lanka's young pace sensation Asitha Fernando has quickly emerged as a game-changer in the ongoing first Test against England at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester, earning high praise from the team’s bowling coach, Aaqib Javed.

On Day 2, Fernando wreaked havoc on England's top order with his wonderful swing bowling in Manchester. The Sri Lanka star earned the prized scalps of England’s stand-in skipper Ollie Pope (6), the legendary batter Joe Root (42), and Ben Duckett (18) at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground.

Asitha Fernando stuns with swing bowling, earning praise from Aaqib Javed

Despite conceding nearly five runs per over, Fernando’s talent for swinging the ball on both sides and his tricky, skiddy pace made him the most threatening bowler in Sri Lanka’s attack.

And after the play of Day 2, Aaqib Javed drew a sensational comparison between Fernando and former Pakistan pace maestro Mohammad Asif, who was famous for his ability to swing the ball with precision.

The Sri Lanka bowling coach has further highlighted Asitha Fernando’s unique ability to generate swing without altering his wrist position, a skill that reminded him of the legendary Asif’s finest years on the international stage.

Asif, who scalped 106 wickets in just 23 Tests, was one of the best pacers of his generation, but his career was ruined by his involvement in a spot-fixing scandal in 2010.

Fernando reminds me of Mohammad Asif: Aaqib Javed

Aaqib Javed said at the press conference: “After Mohammad Asif of Pakistan, I saw that quality in Asitha Fernando. Not many people know about his ability. Without changing his wrist, he can swing the ball both ways. Even I told him that after Asif, I saw that quality in him.”

The Sri Lanka bowling coach also revealed how he identified Asif’s potential early in his career and expressed admiration for Fernando’s current performance, highlighting the Sri Lankan’s increasing confidence with each delivery.

Aaqib Javed signed off by saying, “I actually picked Mohammed Asif when he wasn't in the system. That’s how I know Asif a lot. Sometimes you don't know what happens with your wrist. 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.”

Notably, Asitha Fernando’s deadly spell at Old Trafford has made him a rising star in Sri Lanka's pace attack, and stunning swing bowling could mark the beginning of his journey toward becoming one of the fearsome pacers of this generation on the global stage.

England had lost six wickets and held a narrow lead of 23 runs after Day 2. On Day 3, Fernando will aim to secure his second five-wicket haul in the first Test against England. However, Jamie Smith reached his century, and at the moment England is leading by 76 runs in the Manchester Test.