Sri Lanka Recall Shanaka and Asalanka for England Tour Across T20I and ODI Formats

Sri Lanka have announced their squads for the upcoming tour of England, featuring the return of former captain Dasun Shanaka to the 50-over format and the recall of Charith Asalanka for the T20I leg. Kusal Mendis will continue to captain both sides, with Asalanka serving as his deputy throughout the tour.

The squad reflects a balanced combination of experience and emerging talent as Sri Lanka prepare for a challenging English campaign. It begins with three T20Is, followed by three ODIs, with both series carrying importance as the team builds toward its future international commitments.

Dasun Shanaka Returns to Sri Lanka’s ODI Setup

The most notable feature of the ODI squad is the inclusion of Shanaka, who could feature in the format for the first time since January 2024. His experience is expected to strengthen a middle order that has at times struggled for consistency. The 34-year-old has played 71 ODIs and led Sri Lanka on 43 occasions. Although his batting average of 22.39 suggests room for improvement, his leadership and familiarity with high-pressure situations bring significant value to the side.

Uncapped leg-spinner Sachindu Colombage is the other addition to the ODI squad. They replace Milan Rathnayake and Pramod Madushan, who were part of the squad that clinched a 1-0 series win against the West Indies in a rain-affected 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 Earns Recall After Impressive LPL Campaign

Asalanka’s inclusion headlines the changes in the T20I squad. The left-handed batter was omitted from Sri Lanka’s previous T20I assignment against the West Indies but responded with a commanding Lanka Premier League campaign that forced the selectors’ attention.

Playing for eventual champions Galle Gallants, Asalanka scored 385 runs at an average of 38.50 and a strike rate of 153.38. He registered four half-centuries, reinforcing his ability to influence matches in the shortest format.

Lahiru Udara has also been included following a stellar LPL season. He finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 434 runs and returns to the international fold after his solitary T20I appearance at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. Janith Liyanage and ambidextrous spinner Tharindu Rathnayake are the other notable additions.

England Tour Commences on September 15

The T20I series opens the tour, with matches scheduled in Southampton, Cardiff, and Manchester from September 15. The three-match ODI series begins on September 22, with fixtures at Chester-le-Street, Leeds, and The Oval.

With seasoned players returning and several emerging talents given opportunities, Sri Lanka will aim to use the England tour as a platform to build 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

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