Record breaker Ryan's dream is to play for Sri Lanka
“I have a dream to play for the National cricket team and want to continue my batting performance “said S.Thomas College Mount Lavinia cricket captain Ryan Fernando.
The 19 year old Thomian prolific run getter Fernando gave a superb batting display to continue his form.He scored an unbeaten 252 against Isipathana and followed it up with a superb knock of 200 not out against Ananda at the SSC grounds on Thursday which is a very rare achievement in school cricket .
The stylish right hand top order batter Ryan said he always likes to play to his full potential and build up a good innings . Actually when I scored an unbeaten 252 against Isipathana it was an innings which erased two college records .The first one is highest individual scorer of S.Thomas previous one was held by Bertie Wijesinghe who scored 235 and second one the highest individual scorer against S.Thomas which was by Trinitian Kumar Sangakkara who scored 197 .Two two records were broken by me in one innings and I am really proud about that.
The second double century against Ananda at SSC grounds was special.Playing at SSC grounds before our big match gave me big boost while SSC wicket was more suited for the spinners in the first session on that day but later it was more favourable to the batsmen and I had a chance to play very positive innings to build up my innings .Before lunch we had planned to declare the innings but at lunch I was 180 not out and then decided to go for the double century said Ryan
I started cricket from the S.Thomas cricket Academy which was conducted by former Thomian spinner Dharshana Bodhiyabaduge who is at present Master in Charge and also cricket umpire . Actually I started to play Tennis and Rugby than selected cricket as my first priority.When I played soft ball cricket with my neighbours I was very keen to play as a batsman .At the
under 13 level my coach was Sidath Samarakkody and then Lasith Randunu, Dilshan Mendis ,Nadarajah and present coach Dinesh Kumarasinghe all gave good support to build up my career .I also went to Sanath Jayasuriya cricket Academy when coach Chamara gave good support .My college Warden Fr, Billimoria staff membersand and my parents father Eraj Fernando and mother Rebecca and my elder brother always encourage me to go forward.
I was the member of the National under 19 team and played against Bangladesh but was not selected for the under 19 world cup .Today I am.very happy and my cricket career is progressing .I had a chance of being selected for under 19 team for England tour .I played trial game but could not gain a place in the team . but I am not worried about that .My aim is to continue my performance.Last season I had three centuries while this time so far I have scored two double centuries and total more than 850 runs and want to finish on a positive note at the big match at the SSC grounds .My ambition is to represent National team .I know it is a long journey and never give up my said Ryan Fernando.