Former Sri Lanka youth cricketer Lucky Rogers Fernando passed away yesterday at the age of 51.
An outstanding wicket keeper-batsman from Moratu Maha Vidyalaya, Fernando was a member of the Sri Lanka Under 19 side led by Marvan Atapattu in 1989 and was in prolific form that season scoring 1,493 runs with a top score of 264 not out against Dharmaloka College in an ear when there were quality bowlers.
He also slammed four consecutive centuries against Zahira College, Colombo and St. John’s, Nugegoda.
Fernando made an impact as a coach later in his career coaching the champion Ananda team led by Dinesh Chandimal and is also credited with playing a key role in picking spinner Ajantha Mendis from an academy.
A Level Two qualified coach, he had a six-year stint with North Cofield Cricket Club, Victoria, Australia before returning to the island.
Fernando was adjudged the Most Outstanding Schoolboy Cricket of the Year (Outstations) in 1989 becoming the only cricketer to pass the magical 1,000 that season, a feat he achieved in just seven matches.