Former Sri Lanka cricketer Akshu Fernando, who was selected for the 2010 U19 World Cup in New Zealand, passed away on Tuesday after staying in a coma for multiple years, according to a report in ESPNCricinfo.
Fernando was struck by a train while crossing an unprotected railway track in Mount Lavinia, a southern suburb of Colombo, after a beach training session on December 28, 2018.
Fernando sustained severe injuries in the accident and had remained on life support for much of the period since.
A promising right-handed batter, Fernando’s domestic career appeared to be on the rise when he was struck by a train at the age of 27. He had scored his maiden first-class hundred for Ragama Cricket Club just weeks before the accident and was also honing
his off-spin.
Overall, Fernando registered seven half-centuries at the senior level. Across a nine-year domestic career, Fernando represented multiple clubs, including Colts Cricket Club, Panadura Sports Club and Chilaw Marians Sports Club.
International commentator and one of Ragama Cricket Club’s senior administrators, Roshan Abeysinghe, paid tribute to Fernando after the news of his passing.
“He was truly a wonderful young man whose promising career was cut short by a cruel accident. A quality player for his school and his final club, Ragama, it is a sad day for all of us who knew him,” Abeysinghe was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.
“A cheerful, friendly and thorough gentleman was he. We will miss you, Akshu and remember you for the rest of our lives. Rest in peace, sweet prince,” Abeysinghe added.
Fernando made his List A debut against the Sri Lanka Air Force Sports Club in September 2009. He finished his career with 298 runs in 20 matches at a dismal average of 19.86.
Fernando made his first-class debut against the Bloomfield Cricket and Athletic Club. He finished his career with 1067 runs in 39 matches at an average of 23.19, with one hundred and five half-centuries to his name.
