Kusal Mendis named captain as Sri Lanka announce T20I and ODI squads for England tour

Sri Lanka Cricket has unveiled its 16-member squads for the upcoming white-ball tour of England, with Kusal Mendis appointed as the captain for both T20I and ODI formats. Mendis will be supported by deputy captain Charith Asalanka, who will guide the teams through three T20Is and three ODIs against England between September 15 and 27.

The squads comprise a blend of experienced players and debutants, including off-spinner Tharindu Rathnayake, making his white-ball debut for the T20I series. Leg-spinner Sachindu Colombage, at 28 years old, has earned his first international call-up for the ODI squad.

For the T20I team, Mendis will be joined by senior players such as Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka, and Wanindu Hasaranga. The bowling attack will feature experienced bowlers like Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, and Eshan Malinga, with the addition of Tharindu Rathnayake and Nuwan Thushara to the squad.

In the ODI squad, Kusal Mendis continues as captain, backed by a pace attack led by Pavan Rathnayake, alongside Sachindu Colombage, who has been called up for his international debut. Other notable players in the ODI squad include Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, and the experienced duo of Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka.