Ace Asian stumper :

Brigadier Dr. HIK Fernando

by Rohan WIJESINGHE

An old keeper's fingers, so scarred, so gnarled, so bent, so disfigured and yet so venerable. A line I picked up someplace, and which line fits Dr. HIK like a glove, no less.

Born on January 4th 1933, Dr. HIK Fernando spent his toddler years in Jaffna as his father, a police officer was attached, to that particular peninsular. Relocated in Colombo, HIK had his early schooling at Holy Family Convent, Bambalapitiya and in 1944 was enrolled at St. Peter's College. Which school he represented with distinction at Cricket, eventually leading them in 1953, and returning to stalk the canal as the Peterite coach in 1976 and 1977.

On leaving school he cut the cake 3 ways, betwixt his triple passions of cricket. Medicine and the Army. That he reached the pinnacle in all three disciplines speaks volumes of his disciplined approach to life.

In 1962 he joined the Army as a Captain and retired having risen to the lofty rank of Brigadier and Director of the Medical Services in 1986.

In the medical profession he passed out as an MBBS in 1962 from the University of Ceylon, Medical Faculty and earned a diploma in anaesthetics from the Royal College of Anaesthetician and UK in the mid 1970s.

In cricket, having made his debut whilst yet at school against Lindsay Hassetts Australians in 1953, 'HIK' represented the country from the mid 50s to the early 70s, he had the honour of leading the nation in Unofficial Tests on quite a few instances.

That particular fusion of grey matter, elegant athleticism and quite courage may not be seen in a long while. By turning out for Nondescript Cricket Club with distinction, he added another gem to the clubs rich tradition of distinguished wicket keepers. Then again I recollected his dark eyes framed by his perfectly groomed black hair, giving rise to his slick appearance and businesslike movements on the field. Through the mist of time I recall the effortless grace and style in which he would accept a return from the deep as he bestrode the sacred patch between the stumps with a swagger and style all his own.

His agility and anticipation seemed to deem aerial dives unnecessary and he was greased lightening behind your back crisp and concise, sans frills. Woe betide the heel that strays for the death rattle would knell, courtesy the Brigadiers velvet gloves.

The ace stumper, in fibre and temperament was undoubtable made up of the stuff of champions and his was a style for the purists and romantics. Doctor 'HIK' was a splendid No. 6 bat as well and could have represented the country on his batting ability itself had he put in a tad more sweat and thought at the popping crease.

I have consciously veered away from the stats of the man as they are only too well documented and could be feretted out from the internet if so required.

In 1968 a controversy was perpetuated with the bone of contention being the captaincy of the Ceylon team to tour the United Kingdom. Dr. 'HIK' was ill advisedly embroiled in that particular imbroglio which was not in consistence with the Brigadiers kindly step and decent manner. He would be rueing that fiasco to this day and beyond.

Of the doctors statue in the game there need not be any doubt. Madhav Mantri India's Chief Test Selector, placed him atop the pinnacle of Asias wicket keepers, having watched the doctor's surgical precision behind the stumps, during our unofficial Tests against India in 1964. Mantro's statement conferring the status of 'Asias best stumper' on Dr. 'HIK', carried with it our pride for years. 'HIK' also gave of his precious time serving in the capacity of a national selector and tried his voice behind the mike for good measure. The national treasure that he was, is a precious icon now, and should be spurred on to notch his own hundred amongst his trophies and memories. At the ripe old age of 77 he has mellowed and is generous in his appreciation of his contemporaries and the present troopers, whilst he breezes through life, blissfully single, philosophically cheerful and mercifully in good health. Sadly our appreciation of the Brigadier has been tardy at best. May this tiny essay serve as an unqualified salute to our brilliant Brigadier, as feeble as the attempt may be.

(Rohan Wijesinghe is a former Josephian, Nondescript CC and Sri Lanka Schools opening batsman.)