Brigadier Dr H I K Fernando one of the best keepers in Asia

Premasara Epasinghe

In a game of cricket, a wicketkeeper can transform the whole appearance of it. His bubbling enthusiasm can be an inspiration to the entire fielding side. The wicketkeeper, in short is the fulcrum of the fielding side.

During the pre-test era, the best wicketkeeper produced by Sri Lanka, was Dr H I K Fernando. Not only in Sri Lanka, in the Asian circuit from 1952-1971, H I K was the number one stumper.

H I T Fernando

Dr H I K Fernando was born on January 4, 1933 in Jaffna. His father was a police officer attached to Jaffna at that time. His mother Florence Jayawardena (Florence Fernando) was a school teacher. In the family there were a brother and three sisters. His brother Hermon was a lawyer by Profession.

Dr H I K Fernando as a junior came to Colombo Holy Family Convent. Earlier in Jaffna, too he studied as a tiny tot at Jaffna Holy Family Convent. His father was a Josephian. As he was staying in Bambalapitiya, Herby was sent to St. Peter's College, Bambalapitiya.

"Doctor, can you tell me how you chose to be wicketkeeper. You are one of the best produced not only in Sri Lanka, but also in Asia and in International Circuit.

"Well Premasara, I really don't know how it happened.

I used to play cricket with the neighbourhood children. Some of the schoolboy cricketers were Bala Ponniah N S L Perera (Royal). Even some soldiers too use to play with us. I used to keep wickets without gloves. We played tennis ball cricket. I was the keeper. I really enjoyed it. I took a real liking to keeping wickets.

When H I K was 12, he played for the SPC under 14 team. He was coached by Jameel, Shelton Wirasinha, B R Heyn and Herbert Wittachchi.

It was the famous off-spinner George Perera of SSC, who persuaded him to continue as a wicketkeeper stating that he will have a better chance to play for Ceylon as a wicketkeeper. H I K played for St Peter's College from 1949-1952 and captained College in 1951.

In his first year he played under Darrel Weiman, who later became one of the most distinguished Neuro Surgeons. Then in the following year, he played under, Bobby Ghouse.

In 1956, H I K entered the University of Ceylon Medical Faculty and passed out as a Medical Practitioner in 1961. He played for university and N C C. "I was selected to play for Ceylon in 1953 when Australian team led by Lindsay Hasset played at the Colombo Oval.

"In happy memories about your first International match".

"In the "Whistle stop Match" I stumped my rival keeper Don Tallon.

Then, I can remember smart golden - haired Kieth Miller ran into me, barged into me to avoid a run out. I did not get a chance to bat. This match was a great experience for me".

Dr H I K Fernando, once captained Sri Lanka Board Presidents XI, against Joe Lister International XI.

"I was able to restrict Lister's XI for 164 runs. Thanks to that great off-spinner Abu Fuard who captured six wickets.

This side had Mickey Stewart, Mike Denness and Derick underwood.

H I K had the proud distinction of playing for Sri Lanka for more than two decades.

When he was playing for the University he played with the famous outstanding Royal Skipper Ranjit de Silva, who later became a highly reputed surgeon. Two brilliant Antonians late Anton Ranbukpotha (my rival keeper when I played for Nalanda First XI in 1957) and Ranjit Doranagama, smart Antonian captain.

Dr H I K joined Sri Lanka Army. He played for Army with N Ganegoda, T D Rajapaksa, J B Francis, M D Fernando, Patrick Fernando etc.

In 1963, he was commissioned in Regular army.

He held the rank of Brigadier in 1986 as Director of Welfare and Rehabilitation.

He played a leading role in establishing Ranaviru Sevana at Ragama. He obtained Diploma in Anesthetics of Royal College of surgeons in UK. He retired from the Army in 1995.

He was involved in cricket administration as a selector.

This knowledgeable cricketer is one of the nicest gentlemen I have met. He is a man of honesty and integrity. For few years, he coached his "Alma Mater" St Peter's College.

Brigadier H I K Fernando stated three D's are important to become a good keeper. Discipline - Devotion - Dedication" - you must enjoy keeping. "Practise make you Perfect."