The Sri Lanka Cricket Board has revealed a 17-member squad for the upcoming ODI series against England starting Thursday. Charith Asalanka will lead the team, returning to captaincy in the 50-over format. Dhananjay de Silva and Dushmantha Chameera make a comeback, strengthening the squad with their experience.
Asalanka, who had been ill before the T20I series against Pakistan, is now fit to lead the team in ODIs. Fourteen players from the previous ODI series against Pakistan have retained their spots in the squad. The team’s batting lineup includes Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamil Mishara, and Sadeera Samarawickrama, with Kamindu Mendis and Janith Liyanage in the middle order.
The selectors have focused on bolstering the bowling options, providing a mix of spin and fast bowlers. Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan, and Eshan Malinga will handle the pace attack, while the spin department features Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Dunith Wellalage’s left-arm spin.
The first ODI is scheduled for January 22 at the R. Premdasa Stadium in Colombo, followed by matches on January 24 and 27 at the same venue. Sri Lanka will then gear up for the T20 World Cup with a T20I series against England starting on January 30 at the Pallekele International Stadium.
