South Africa vs Sri Lanka 2019: Test Series review

Sri Lanka's win was one of the biggest upsets in Test history
Sri Lanka's win was one of the biggest upsets in Test history

#2 The rise of Vishwa Fernando

Vishwa Fernando could emerge as Sri Lanka's leading pacer
Vishwa Fernando could emerge as Sri Lanka's leading pacer

Ever since the retirement of Chaminda Vaas, Sri Lanka has been looking for a dependable seam bowler to lead their attack. At different times, some pacers have produced great performances. For instance, Chanaka Welegedera at Durban in 2011 or Dhammika Prasad at Headingley in 2014.

However, these have been one-off efforts. The most consistent performer has been Suranga Lakmal. But he needs some help from the conditions to make an impact.

This is where the performance of Vishwa Fernando, the leading wicket-taker in the series, comes as a great boost to the Sri Lankan Test side. His ability to swing the ball coupled with decent pace was exciting to watch. Having been ignored for a long time by the selectors and getting into the team only because of injury, Fernando grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

His dismissals of Dean Elgar and Hashim Amla off successive balls in the last Test was splendid to watch and would gladden the heart of Sri Lankan fans. He could well be the successor to Vaas that the Lankans have been looking for.

Let’s also not forget the contributions of Kasun Rajitha. He too was outstanding and by getting the ball to move away from the right-handers, caused serious difficulties to South African batsmen. While it’s too early to assess his potential, his efforts in this series were highly laudable.

When Lahiru Kumara comes back, Sri Lanka may finally be able to field a potent pace attack, at least, in seamer-friendly conditions. This could transform the fortunes of their side.

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Edited by Aditya Joshi