Uncapped fast bowler Shiran Fernando is looking forward to a successful debut when Sri Lanka takes on Bangladesh in a three-match One Day International (ODI) series in Dhaka starting from May 23.
“I performed really well during the Premier T20 and One Day Tournament for Tamil Union and that helped me to get selected to the national squad,” Fernando told the Daily News before his departure.
“I was the highest wicket-taker at the last Bangladesh ‘A’ cricket series. I think this is a good opportunity for me to showcase my abilities,” said the 28-year-old paceman.
“I had good support from all the coaches as well as from the senior players. That is very important as I have less experience at International level,” he said.
Fernando played for the Under-15 and Under 17 cricket team of Puwakaramba High School in Moratuwa but he never played hardball cricket at Under-19 level.
In the meantime, tragic struck with the sudden loss of his beloved father and as a result Fernando had to work as a carpenter for a short period to make a living.
However, he had the dream of playing club cricket and was able to play for Moratuwa SC in the Under-23 Tournament with the support of former St. Peter’s College leg-spinner Lakshan Rodrigo.
When he played for Moors SC, Fast Bowling Coach Chamila Gamage spotted this young paceman and included him in the Fast Bowling Academy and that was his turning point in his career.
Fernando has played 18 First Class matches and took 43 wickets with best figures of five for 97.
He took his T20 best bowling figures of four for 19 against Sebastianites CC.
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