Kusal Mendis Ruled Out Of T20Is Against England, Asalanka To Lead SL

Mendis ruled out of T20Is against England, Asalanka to lead SL (Colombo: ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026 - New Zealand vs Sri Lanka)

Sri Lanka T20I: Sri Lanka ODI and T20I captain Kusal Mendis and fast-bowler have been ruled out of the upcoming three-match T20I series against England, with returnee Charith Asalanka set to lead the Lankan Lions, Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed on Friday.

"Kusal Mendis and Binura Fernando will not take part in the upcoming T20I series against England, as both players are still undergoing rehabilitation following injuries sustained during the Lanka Premier League 2026," SLC said in a statement.

Mendis, who continued as captain of both white-ball sides for the England series, is on the mend from a hamstring injury he picked up during the Lanka Premier League and will miss the T20Is. However, Fernando has sustained a back injury and will be out too.

SLC has been forced to make changes to the squad it announced on Wednesday. Top-order batter Pavan Rathnayake has been named Mendis' replacement, while Dilshan Madushka comes in place of Fernando.

Meanwhile, Asalanka will be back leading the side in Mendis' absence in the T20I series, as he makes a return to the shortest international format after being sidelined for six months, with his last outing coming in the 2026 World Cup.

The SLC had made Asalanka their vice-captain while naming the squads for the three T20Is and as many ODIs, with the tour starting from September 15. Asalanka was also removed as ODI captain three months before but was brought back into the leadership group for the upcoming series.

Meanwhile, Dasun Shanaka, who led Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup 2026, is part of both the white-ball squads for the tour. He has been brought back into the ODIs for the first time since January 2024.

The SLC had made Asalanka their vice-captain while naming the squads for the three T20Is and as many ODIs, with the tour starting from September 15. Asalanka was also removed as ODI captain three months before but was brought back into the leadership group for the upcoming series.

Sri Lanka T20I squad: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Lahiru Udara, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Tharindu Rathnayake, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Nuwan Thushara, Pavan Rathnayake, Dilshan Madushanka

Article Source: IANS