Sri Lanka have named their squads for the forthcoming white-ball tour of England, appointing Kusal Mendis as captain of both the T20I and ODI teams, with Charith Asalanka returning as vice-captain across both formats.
The tour schedule includes three T20 internationals and three One Day Internationals. The series will commence with the opening T20I at Southampton on September 15, followed by matches in Cardiff on September 17 and Manchester on September 19. The ODI series will then begin at Chester-le-Street on September 22, according to an ICC media release.
ADVERTISEMENT
Stay connected
Make The News Mill your preferred TNM on Google
Asalanka’s recall to the T20I squad marks a significant development, as he was excluded from the format following the T20 World Cup in February. His selection is attributed to a strong performance in the Lanka Premier League where he scored 385 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 153.38 and played a crucial part in Galle Gladiators’ title victory.
Alongside Kusal Mendis, Asalanka continues in Sri Lanka’s
Alongside Kusal Mendis, Asalanka continues in Sri Lanka’s leadership group, with former vice-captain Kamindu Mendis also retaining his place in both squads. Pathum Nissanka, noted for recent good form, will add strength at the top of the order, supported by middle-order options including Kamindu Mendis, Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, and Pavan Rathnayake.
Dasun Shanaka has been recalled to the ODI squad for the first time since January 2024, bringing experience to the lower middle order. All-rounders Wanindu Hasaranga and Dunith Wellalage offer additional balance as Sri Lanka aim to adapt to English conditions.
Leg-spinner Sachindu Colombage has earned his maiden call-up to the ODI squad. The bowling line-up also features Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, and Dilshan Madushanka.
The T20I squad includes Lahiru Udara and Tharindu
The T20I squad includes Lahiru Udara and Tharindu Rathnayake, with Nuwan Thushara and Binura Fernando providing further pace options. Udara’s inclusion follows a standout Lanka Premier League season in which he scored 434 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 159.55.
Sri Lanka will aim to secure their first bilateral series victory against England in 12 years during the tour.
Sri Lanka ODI squad: Kusal Mendis (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Sachindu Colombage, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.
Sri Lanka T20I squad: Kusal Mendis (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Lahiru Udara, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Tharindu Rathnayake, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando.
Source: thenewsmill.com
