SL vs NZ: Asitha Fernando will surpass Chaminda Vaas, Lasith Malinga as Sri Lanka's greatest pacer - Aaqib Javed

Sri Lanka has always been known for its spin maestros, but a new pace sensation is now stealing the spotlight, and he is Asitha Fernando.

After a jaw-dropping performance on the England tour, Asitha Fernando has emerged as one of the most promising fast bowlers on the international stage, and experts are already touting him as a potential legend in the making.

The right-arm speedster turned heads in the three-match Test series, finishing as the highest wicket-taker with 17 wickets. His best moment came at the iconic Lord’s, where Asitha Fernando’s fiery five-wicket haul put Sri Lanka in the driver’s seat.

Fans and critics were left in awe of his pace, precision, and lethal swing that troubled some of the world’s top batters.

Asitha Fernando emerges as Sri Lanka's new gem after stunning England tour

Before his heroics on the England tour, Asitha Fernando had already shown glimpses of brilliance during a home series against India, hinting that his rise to stardom was not far away.

But it was the England tour that cemented his reputation as a bowler to be feared, propelling him into the top 10 of the ICC Test Players Rankings. His remarkable jump to eighth place in the rankings is evidence of his growing dominance in the game.

Despite a slow start to his Test career, where he managed only seven wickets in his first four matches, Asitha Fernando’s fortunes took a sharp turn with a sensational 10-wicket match haul against Bangladesh. From that moment, it became clear that Sri Lanka has a true gem.

As Sri Lanka wrapped up a commanding 8-wicket victory over England in the final Test at The Oval, Fernando’s rise was the talk of the town. His rapid climb in the rankings and his ability to consistently perform in challenging conditions have led to his comparisons with some of the finest pacers the game has seen.

Asitha Fernando could be the greatest Sri Lankan fast bowler: Aaqib Javed

Sri Lanka’s bowling coach, Aaqib Javed, has been one of Asitha Fernando’s biggest fans, predicting that the fast bowler has the potential to become the greatest in Sri Lanka’s history.

With his deadly combination of pace, swing, and the ability to move the ball both ways, Fernando is a complete package who can destroy any batting lineup on his day, according to Javed.

He said that Asitha Fernando could easily dominate the international scene in the coming years with the right guidance and careful management.

As Sri Lanka continues to develop its young crop of cricketers, Fernando stands at the forefront of this new generation, carrying the hopes of a nation on his shoulders, and Javed feels he will be the next great fast-bowling superstar.

Javed said at the post-match press conference: "I think this guy is improving in the rankings as well, the bowling rankings. I think he has got all the potential. I was discussing with him, another seven to eight years, if you look after yourself, you might be the greatest ever Sri Lankan fast bowler. He has got pace, he has got swing, and uniqueness which we taught in the first Test, the ability to move both ways with the new ball. I think he is really impressive."

Aaqib Javed thinks Asitha Fernando can be Sri Lanka's greatest-ever fast bowler 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/lOIQHAksc1

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) September 10, 2024