Sri Lanka announce T20I squad against England [Source: AFP]Sri Lanka Cricket has officially announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20 International (T20I) series against England. This announcement, made on Thursday, comes at an important time as both teams prepare for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Notably, the T20I series will begin on January 30 and will be played entirely at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.Sri Lanka name Dasun Shanaka as captainBefore this T20I contest, Sri Lanka and England faced each other in a three-match ODI series. England emerged victorious in that series, winning 2-1. As a result, Sri Lanka will be eager to bounce back and level things up when they face England in the shorter format. Notably, Dasun Shanaka will continue to captain the Sri Lankan team, showing the selectors’ faith in his leadership. Moreover, Sri Lanka have largely stuck with the core group of players that featured in the recent T20I series against Pakistan earlier this month. Sri Lanka make notable changesOne of the major talking points is the return of Pavan Rathnayake to the T20I squad. His impressive knock of 121 runs off 115 balls in the third ODI against England played a big role in his recall. On the other hand, several familiar names have been left out. Fast bowler Nuwan Thushara, who has been a regular in Sri Lanka’s T20I squads over the past two years, has been omitted due to a string of average performances since September. Batting all-rounder Kamindu Mendis has also been excluded, along with leg-spinner Dushan Hemantha.Sri Lanka go for heavy spin-attackSri Lanka has gone with a strong spin attack for the series. Dunith Wellalage retains his place despite not playing a T20I since September. He will be supported by frontline spinners Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga. In addition, Dhananjaya de Silva and Charith Asalanka, who can bowl finger spin, add further bowling options.In terms of pace bowling, the squad includes Dushmantha Chameera and Matheesha Pathirana, along with Eshan Malinga and Pramod Madushan. Apart from Rathnayake’s return, the batting group looks largely predictable. Kusal Perera makes his comeback in the only format he currently plays, bringing experience to the top order. It is important to note that Sri Lanka have not yet announced their final squad for the T20 World Cup. Teams have until January 31 to make changes, after which ICC approval will be required.The three-match T20I series will start on January 30, followed by matches on February 1 and February 3. Importantly, this series serves as the final warm-up for both Sri Lanka and England before the T20 World Cup begins on February 7.Sri Lanka T20I squad vs England: Dasun Shanaka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Dhananjaya De Silva, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga
