Sri Lanka have named their ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming tour of England, with former captain Dasun Shanaka returning to the 50-over setup and Charith Asalanka earning a recall for the T20I series. Kusal Mendis will continue to lead both sides, while Asalanka has been named his deputy throughout the tour.
Sri Lanka have opted for a blend of experience and fresh faces as they prepare for a demanding assignment in England. The tour will feature three T20Is followed by three ODIs, with both formats carrying significance as the island nation continues to build towards its next major international commitments.
Dasun Shanaka back in Sri Lanka’s ODI plans
The biggest talking point in the ODI squad is the return of Shanaka, who could make his first appearance in the format since January 2024. Shanaka brings considerable experience to a middle order that has occasionally lacked consistency. The 34-year-old has featured in 71 ODIs and captained Sri Lanka on 43 occasions. While his batting record, with an average of 22.39, leaves room for improvement, his experience could prove valuable during a crucial phase for Sri Lankan cricket.
Uncapped leg-spinner Sachindu Colombage is the other new addition to the ODI squad. The pair replace Milan Rathnayake and Pramod Madushan, who were part of the squad that secured a 1-0 victory over the West Indies in a rain-hit three-match ODI series in June.
Sri Lanka ODI squad: Kusal Mendis (captain), Charith Asalanka (vice-captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Sachindu Colombage, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.
Charith Asalanka rewarded for strong LPL campaign
Asalanka’s return is the headline change in the T20I squad. The left-handed batter was left out of Sri Lanka’s previous T20I assignment against the West Indies but forced his way back into contention with an impressive Lanka Premier League campaign.
Representing eventual champions Galle Gallants, Asalanka accumulated 385 runs at an average of 38.50 and a strike rate of 153.38. He also registered four half-centuries, underlining his ability to influence matches in the shortest format.
Lahiru Udara has also been rewarded for his outstanding LPL season. The batter finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 434 runs and returns to the international setup after making his only T20I appearance at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. Janith Liyanage and ambidextrous spinner Tharindu Rathnayake are the other notable inclusions.
England tour begins on September 15
Sri Lanka’s tour gets underway with the T20I series, with matches scheduled in Southampton, Cardiff and Manchester from September 15. The three-match ODI series will then begin on September 22, with Chester-le-Street, Leeds and The Oval hosting the fixtures.
With experienced campaigners returning and several emerging players getting opportunities, Sri Lanka will hope the England tour provides valuable momentum across both formats.
Sri Lanka T20I squad: Kusal Mendis (captain), Charith Asalanka (vice-captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Lahiru Udara, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Tharindu Rathnayake, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando
