Asitha moves up to ICC top ten rank

Fast bowler Asitha Fernando has made it to the top ten of the ICC Test Rankings for bowlers after his impressive returns in England in the ongoing Test series. The 27-year-old is the highest wicket taker in the series from either side with 14 scalps to his name. Asitha claimed six wickets at Old Trafford before finishing with eight wicket at Lord’s, which included a five wicket haul in the first innings.

This is the first time Asitha has made it to the top ten in ICC Rankings. Sri Lanka haven’t had a fast bowler among the top ten since the great Chaminda Vaas retired 15 years ago.

Asitha is in exclusive company with some of the world’s top fast bowlers like Kagiso Rabada, Jasprit Bumrah, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood among the top ten.

Opening batsman Dimuth Karunaratne, who oversaw Asitha’s development as his first captain predicted a bright future for the quick.

“His consistency and line and lengths have improved a lot in recent years. He works really hard during training and knows what to do in the middle. That’s the secret of his success. I hope he goes on to become the number one bowler in the world.”