Sri Lanka Unveils Squads for England White-Ball Tour with Kusal Mendis as Captain

Sri Lanka has announced its squads for the upcoming white-ball series against England, featuring Kusal Mendis as captain and Charith Asalanka as vice-captain. The tour includes three T20Is and three ODIs, starting on September 15. Asalanka's return to the T20I team follows a successful stint in the Lanka Premier League. The squad aims to secure their first bilateral series win against England in 12 years. Key players include Pathum Nissanka and Dasun Shanaka, alongside a mix of experienced and emerging talents. Read on for a detailed look at the squads and match schedule.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 3, 2026, 00:18 IST

Sri Lanka's Squad Announcement for England Tour

Colombo [Sri Lanka], September 2: Sri Lanka has revealed its teams for the upcoming white-ball series in England, with Kusal Mendis appointed as the captain for both the T20I and ODI formats. Charith Asalanka will serve as the vice-captain for these matches.

The tour will feature three T20 internationals and three one-day matches, commencing with the first T20I in Southampton on September 15. The subsequent T20Is are scheduled for Cardiff and Manchester on September 17 and 19, respectively, followed by the ODI series starting in Chester-le-Street on September 22, according to a release from the ICC.

Asalanka's return to the T20I squad marks a significant development, as he was omitted from the format after the T20 World Cup in February. His selection follows a strong performance in the Lanka Premier League, where he amassed 385 runs in 11 innings at an impressive strike rate of 153.38, contributing to the Galle Gladiators' championship victory.

He will join Kusal Mendis in the leadership group, while former vice-captain Kamindu Mendis remains in both squads.

Pathum Nissanka, who has been in excellent form, will bolster the top order, with Kamindu, Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, and Pavan Rathnayake available for the middle order.

Dasun Shanaka makes his return to the ODI squad for the first time since January 2024, bringing valuable experience to the lower middle order. Wanindu Hasaranga and Dunith Wellalage provide additional all-round options as the team adapts to English conditions.

Leg-spinner Sachindu Colombage has received his first call-up to the ODI squad, while the bowling lineup includes Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, and Dilshan Madushanka.

The T20I squad also features Lahiru Udara and Tharindu Rathnayake, with Nuwan Thushara and Binura Fernando adding pace options.

Udara joins the T20I team after a remarkable LPL season, scoring 434 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 159.55.

Sri Lanka aims to achieve their first bilateral series victory against England in 12 years during this 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.