Earby has signed promising Sri Lankan prospect Nuwanidu Fernando ahead of their 2020 Ribblesdale League campaign.
Fernando is an exciting youngster who has played 17 matches (1 Test, 16 ODIs) for the Sri Lankan Under-19s, to include the ICC Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand.
A strong, top-order batter, Fernando broke into the Sri Lankan Under-19 side for the Asian Cricket Council Under-19 Asia Cup in November 2017, playing matches against Afghanistan, UAE, and Pakistan. He was then a key member of the side that travelled to New Zealand in January 2018 for the World Cup (he averaged 33) before 5 matches (1 Test, 4 ODIs) against the touring Indian’s in July/August 2018 – his highlight – a fighting 78 from 134 balls in the first Youth Test).
Fernando earned his national selection courtesy of a strong showing in the Super U19 Provincial Tournament in April 2016, where he averaged 58.50. In December 2016, he made his first-class debut, hitting 25 for Panadura in Sri Lanka’s Premier Tournament (Tier B).
On the 1st January 2019, he was picked to play against the touring Ireland A side for the Sri Lanka President’s XI, hitting a fine 35. Thereafter, he joined Premier (Tier A) side Badureliya and played 2 first-class matches over the next few weeks.
Whilst known for his batting, Fernando is a skillful off-spinner, who was a genuine all-rounder at College and under-age level.
The talented batting all-rounder is a potential star of the future and is now set to embark on his maiden UK stint having signed with Ribblesdale side Earby recently for the 2020 season.
