Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced its squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England. The selection panel has retained all-rounder Charith Asalanka as captain for the home season, with a focus on long-term planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup, set to take place in Africa next year.
Sri Lanka are set to host England for a limited-overs series, including three ODIs and three T20Is, ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. The ODI leg of the tour will commence in Colombo on January 22, with the third and final ODI scheduled for January 27. All three matches will be played at the R Premadasa Stadium.
Sri Lanka Name ODI Squad for England Series, Charith Asalanka Retained as Captain
On January 21, Sri Lanka Cricket announced their squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England. Charith Asalanka will continue as captain for the series.
All-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been included in the squad, with his fitness and form seen as crucial for Sri Lanka’s World Cup plans. The selectors have also included spin all-rounder Dunith Wellalage and fast bowler Milan Ratnayake as part of preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera has been rested from the series due to a groin injury to manage his workload ahead of the T20 World Cup. The series will also give other bowlers a chance to gain exposure against England, with young pacer Pavan Ratnayake included in the 17-member squad.
Dhananjaya de Silva Returns to Sri Lanka’s ODI Setup After 2023 World Cup
Sri Lanka have retained Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, and Kamil Mishara in the ODI squad for the England series. Pathum Nissanka and Mishara will open the batting, while Kusal Mendis will continue at number three.
All-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva has returned to the ODI side after the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. The selectors want to give him more chances in this series as part of preparation for the T20 World Cup. His experience adds strength to both the batting and spin options.
The selectors are also hoping for good pitches during the series to help players gain exposure before the World Cup. Jeffrey Vandersay and Maheesh Theekshana will handle the spin bowling duties.
The pace unit includes Pramod Madushan, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga, and Milan Ratnayake in the 17-member squad. The squad has received final approval for the England ODI series.
Sri Lanka Squad for England ODI Series:
Charith Asalanka (captain), 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
Sri Lanka’s selectors are looking for sporting pitches during the ODI series so players can gain maximum exposure ahead of the World Cup. The national selection panel is expected to announce the T20 World Cup squad next week, and the team chosen will also play against England.
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