Fast bowler Nuwan Pradeep didn't play with a cricket ball till he was 20 but less than three years later he was in Sri Lanka's Test squad. He won a pace contest in 2007, impressing the talent scouts in a soft-ball event, and was sent straight to Sri Lanka Cricket's academy. He follows in the Sri Lankan tradition of maverick bowlers with unconventional actions. Like Lasith Malinga, he has a slinging action and has troubled many batsmen in domestic cricket with his pace, generated from a long run-up. Pradeep toured Sri Lanka A to Australia in 2010, where he was among the quickest bowlers from both sides though he didn't bag many wickets. Less than a month later, he was rewarded with a call-up to the national squad for the second Test against India.
Full name: Aththachchi Nuwan Pradeep Roshan Fernando
Born October 19, 1986, Negombo
Current age 24 years 182 days
Major teams Basnahira North, Bloomfield Cricket and Athletic Club, Burgher Recreation Club, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sri Lanka A, Sri Lanka Cricket Development XI, Tamil Union Cricket and Athletic Club
Nickname Sirasa
Playing role Bowler
Batting style Right-hand bat
Bowling style Right-arm fast-medium
Height 5 ft 10 in
Education Vidhyaloka Maha Vidyalaya, Katana