EARBY Cricket Club have signed promising Sri Lankan prospect Nuwanidu Fernando ahead of their 2020 Ribblesdale League campaign.

Fernando is an exciting youngster who has played 17 matches (one Test, 16 ODIs) for the Sri Lankan Under-19s, to include the ICC Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand.

A strong, top-order batsman, 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 five matches (one Test, four ODIs) against the touring Indian’s in July/August 2018. His highlight was a fighting 78 from 134 balls in the first Youth Test.

Fernando earned his national selection courtesy of a strong showing in the Super Under-19 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 January 1, 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 two first-class matches over the next few weeks.

Whilst known for his batting, Fernando is a skilful 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 Earby for the 2020 season.