Sri Lanka Squads For England ODIs T20Is Announced, Big Names Return From Injury

Pathum Nissanka returns from injury. [Source - AFP]

Sri Lanka Cricket has announced 16-member ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming white-ball tour of England. The tour begins with a three-match T20I series, starting September 15 in Southampton.

The squads feature some notable returns from injury, while several new faces have also earned opportunities. With both experienced names and emerging players involved, the tour promises plenty to look forward to.

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis Make Injury Return For England Tour

Sri Lanka have been boosted by the return of Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, with both players missing the recently concluded Test series against India due to injuries. Their availability strengthens Sri Lanka’s white-ball setup.

Nissanka returns at the peak of his powers, adding quality and experience to the top order. Meanwhile, Mendis will lead Sri Lanka in both formats, taking responsibility as captain for the ODI and T20I series.

Sri Lanka T20I squad for England Series: 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.

Sri Lanka ODI squad for England Series: 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.

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Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka Make Notable Returns For England Tour

Charith Asalanka has earned his T20I recall after being dropped following the T20 World Cup 2026. His impressive Lanka Premier League campaign, where he scored 385 runs at a strike-rate of 153.38, including 4 50s, strengthened his case.

Meanwhile, another surprising return comes in the ODI squad, with former captain Dasun Shanaka recalled after last playing an ODI for Sri Lanka in January 2024. His experience could prove valuable as the team prepares for England.

Set to turn 35, Shanaka could now take up the role of an experienced finisher down the order. His return also highlights Sri Lanka’s continued efforts to build a balanced ODI squad ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

Sri Lanka Have Enough Firepower To Challenge England In Their Own Backyard

Looking in depth of the Sri Lanka's squad for England tour, they have nough firepower to challenge England, with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis offering experience while Kamil Mishara and Lahiru Udara's recent form in LPL gives them another edge. 

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Kamindu Mendis is another major name in the middle-order across both formats, while Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga and Dunith Wellalage offer experience and depth. 

The bowling attack looks well balanced, with Maheesh Theekshana joining Hasaranga and Wellalage to form a formidable spin unit. Sri Lanka have also included young leg-spinner Sachindu Colombage in their ODI squad, who took 10 wickets at 17.5 average in LPL 2026.

In the T20I squad, ambidextrous spinner Tharindu Rathnayake provides another intriguing option, while Eshan Malinga, who has 44 T20 wickets in 2026, more than any Sri Lankan has emerged as the face of the pace attack, alongside experienced campaigner Dushmantha Chameera.

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