![Kusal Mendis' coach dies in Colombo [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1786634514421_KusalMendisDasunShanakaWaninduHasarangaSriLanka.jpg?type=hq)
Kusal Mendis' coach dies in Colombo [Source: AFP]
In a sad news coming just days ahead of Sri Lanka's first Test against India, experienced Sri Lankan coach Sumith Fernando passed away on Tuesday in Colombo after a recent physical brawl with young cricketers at the facility, for which he had to be hospitalised.
The well-known name in local cricketing circles, Fernando, had also mentored the current Sri Lanka ODI skipper Kusal Mendis during his developmental years.
Kusal Mendis’ coach dies after a fight
The deceased coach, Sumit Fernando, was a 62-year-old veteran who was known for developing young talents in the country.
He also worked at Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa back in the day, where he met Kusal Mendis. The 31-year-old Mendis started representing Sri Lanka in 2015 and has since played 75 Tests, 156 ODIs and 109 T20Is for them.
Sumith Fernando had also been the curator at one of Sri Lanka’s most important domestic clubs, the Bloomfield Cricket and Athletic Club, based in Colombo.
As reported by PTI, Fernando had sustained injuries from the altercation with young kids on Saturday, August 8, and had since been in the hospital, receiving treatment.
Despite fighting for his life for about 72 hours, Fernando died at the medical facility on August 11. Subsequently, Fernando’s last rites were held on Thursday, August 13.
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Why did the coach and players fight?
According to the aforementioned report, the incident between the young players and the coach took place due to the unavailability of running water at the cricket facilities.
The group of young Sri Lankan cricketers, who were involved, allegedly had a disagreement and fought with the ground staff.
The well-respected Fernando tried to intervene and calm things down, but two players, including a 17-year-old minor, took it too far and got physical during the verbal altercation. Soon, Fernando had to be rushed to the National Hospital after suffering injuries.
17-year-old cricketer faces arrest
As mentioned above, among the two players who got physical with Sumith Fernando was a 17-year-old. Now, as things stand almost a week after the brawl, the kid has been arrested by the Colombo Police.
Due to his age, the minor was taken into child probation custody after he appeared before the Colombo Court on the day of death.
He is arrested on suspicion of assaulting coach Fernando, and as the police continue their investigation of the matter, he is expected to remain in custody till August 17. His initial custody was reportedly extended by the court.
Notably, the Sri Lanka ODI captain Kusal Mendis has not spoken on the death or the assault yet. He is currently with the Test team, preparing for the first of the two Tests against India, starting on August 15 in Galle.
Kusal Mendis’ 75 Test-worth of experience will come in handy for the Lankans as they look to end India’s hopes of reaching the World Test Championship 2027 Finals. He is currently closing in on the milestone of 5000 Test runs, sitting on 4836 at an average of 36.36.
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