Keshana Fonseka, a Year 13 student at Bolton School Boys’ Division, made his debut with the England U19 cricket team last month. Kesh, taking part in a 50 over, one day game against Ireland, scored an amazing 121 runs – almost half of the team’s overall score of 261. Watch him reach his century through this link. You can catch some of Kesh’s best shots and see the full scorecard here.
Following on from this, Kesh’s second game was also against Ireland and again, batting at number three, he scored highly, making 76 runs despite tearing his meniscus while on 20, an injury which ultimately caught up with him when he was run out. He was still England’s top scorer on the day and helped his team secure a victory by 209 runs. Again, you can watch the highlights and view the scorecard here.
The injury meant Kesh missed the following matches against Australia. He now has his sights fixed on the U19s’ World Cup in Sri Lanka in January, by which time he hopes to be fit again.
Mr Mark Chilton, Director of Sport in the Boys’ Division, said: ‘It’s been a great season for Kesh who had a few notable knocks for School in the 1st Xl as well. I’m sure he will be working hard over the winter now alongside his studies, including A Level PE. Hopefully, he can follow in the footsteps of the Parkinson twins and Haseeb Hameed in earning a professional contract.’
Kesh is an opening batter and off-break bowler who plays his club cricket at Hyde Cricket Club. When he joined Lancashire’s Academy at just 15 years old, he was the youngest entrant ever to the Lancashire Academy.
