By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

BOWLING all-rounder Naveen Fernando has been lined-up by Cornwood as their overseas player for the 2024 season in the Tolchards DCL Premier Division.

Fernando, who was 22 in December, is currently playing First Class and List A cricket in Sri Lanka for Kurenegala Youth CC and has represented Sri Lanka in three Tests and nine one-day internationals at under-19 level.

On his Test debut against India in Columbo in 2018, Naveen made 78 in the second innings of the match. He has toured the Bangladesh (2018) and the West Indies (2019) with Sri Lankan under-19 squads.

Elliott Staddon, the Cornwood captain, has a clear role in mind for the new acquisition.

“Naveen will look to take the new ball for us and contribute with the bat in the middle order,” said Staddon.

“We are all excited to welcome him over and feel he'll be a great fit in our side.”

The Wood were title candidates until the final month of the 2023 season, but faded on the last lap and finished a distant fourth behind champion club Sandford.

Jay Bista, Cornwood’s overseas run-glut overseas player in 2022, had a quieter season second time around and returned home with five rounds to go.

Sidmouth, Paignton, Exmouth and North Devon also lost their overseas players before the season ended, which impacted on their final positions in the league.

Staddon said Fernando will be arriving early and has committed for the full season.

“A great benefit is Naveen will arrive for our final two pre-season games and will be here all season,” said Staddon.

“That was a big factor for us this season, as I am sure it is for many clubs in the league.”

Fernando is the third major signing made by Cornwood since the end of last season.

Already on board are former Plympton pair Jacob Caunter and Ben Privett.

Privett, who had a breakthrough season in the Devon county side last season, is currently playing first-grade cricket in South Australia for Adelaide-based Sturt Blues