Sri Lanka have announced their squad for ENG ODIs [Source: AFP]In a significant development, Sri Lanka Cricket has announced a robust 17-member squad for the ODI series against England. Charith Asalanka, who was stripped of leadership duties in T20Is, has been appointed the Sri Lankan captain for the highly anticipated series, which kicks off at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Thursday, January 22. Experienced all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva has also returned to the team, with Dushmantha Chameera and Matheesha Pathirana being two of the major names to miss out. Charith Asalanka returns as Sri Lanka captain for England ODIsDestructive left-handed batter Charith Asalanka was ruled out of the Pakistan tour midway due to an injury. However, he has regained full fitness and is all set to resume the leadership duties in ODIs. Asalanka has been a vital cog in Sri Lanka's ODI setup as a number five batter, scoring 2659 runs at an average of 42.9 and a strike rate of 90.9. Asitha Fernando to lead Sri Lankan bowling attack vs EnglandRight-arm fast bowler Asitha Fernando has been an integral member of the Sri Lankan setup in ODI cricket. He has been a consistent performer, bagging 36 wickets in 27 appearances. Fernando's inclusion has boosted Sri Lanka's bowling unit, which also comprises a formidable spin core of Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay. What could be Sri Lanka's combination for 1st ODI vs England?The stylish duo of Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara will form Sri Lanka's opening pair in the England ODIs. While swashbuckling batter Kusal Mendis is the frontrunner to bat at number three, Sadeera Samarawickrama will likely spearhead the Lankan middle order with Dhananjaya de Silva, Janith Liyanage, Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga. The inclusion of an all-rounder of Kamindu Mendis' calibre also ensures stability as well as flexibility in the Sri Lankan squad. Meanwhile, Asitha Fernando will likely lead the Sri Lankan bowling department along with Theekshana and Eshan Malinga. Sri Lanka squad for ODI series vs England 2026Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Pavan Rathnayake, Dhananjaya de Silva, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jeffrey Vandersay, Maheesh Theekshana, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan, Eshan Malinga.England tour of Sri Lanka 2026 scheduleLed by Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka will cross swords against England in three ODIs and three T20Is on home soil. The ODIs will be played on January 22, 24, and 27 in Colombo, with the Pallekele International Stadium hosting the T20I leg between January 30 and February 3. Talking about Sri Lanka's recent performance in ODIs, they incurred a heavy three-nil defeat against Pakistan. Having said that, the Island Nation was impressive in the format last year, registering seven victories across thirteen matches. So, it will be interesting to see if they can stun the Englishmen and capitalise on their home advantage to seal a morale-boosting series win ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
