Sri Lanka Unveils Squads for England White-Ball Tour with Kusal Mendis as Captain
Sri Lanka's Squad Announcement for England Tour
Sri Lanka has officially revealed its squads for the upcoming white-ball series against England. Kusal Mendis will lead both the T20I and ODI teams, with Charith Asalanka serving as the vice-captain for both formats.
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, as stated in a release from the ICC.
Key Player Movements and Squad Composition
A significant highlight is Asalanka's return to the T20I squad after being omitted following 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 a 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 shown impressive form lately, will bolster the top order. The middle order will feature Kamindu, Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, and Pavan Rathnayake. Dasun Shanaka makes a comeback to the ODI squad for the first time since January 2024, adding valuable experience to the lower middle order.
All-rounders Wanindu Hasaranga and Dunith Wellalage will provide additional options as the team adapts to English conditions. 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.
T20I Squad Additions
The T20I squad sees the inclusion of Lahiru Udara and Tharindu Rathnayake, with Nuwan Thushara and Binura Fernando adding pace options. Udara joins the T20I team after an outstanding LPL season, where he scored 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 Squads Overview
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.
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.