Sri Lanka have announced a 17-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England, with Charith Asalanka continuing as captain for the 50-over assignment starting on January 22 at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS) in Colombo.
The selectors have largely opted for continuity, retaining 14 players from Sri Lanka’s most recent ODI series against Pakistan, despite the 3-0 defeat. The approach underlines the team management’s belief in a settled core as they build towards long-term white-ball objectives.
A few key inclusions add experience and balance to the squad, with Dhananjaya de Silva, Dunith Wellalage and Milan Rathnayake drafted in. Sri Lanka’s batting unit will revolve around Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Kamil Mishara, supported by the middle-order options of Kamindu Mendis and Janith Liyanage.
The bowling attack presents a well-rounded combination of pace and spin. Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan and Eshan Malinga will lead the pace department, while Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay headline the spin options, with Wellalage providing left-arm variety.
With the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 on the horizon, Sri Lanka will be eager to reassert themselves in home conditions against a strong England side. The ODI series will be followed by a 3-match T20I series, scheduled just ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka ODI squad vs England: Charith Asalanka (C), 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.
Series schedule:
- First ODI: Thursday, January 22, Colombo
- Second ODI: Saturday, January 24, Colombo
- Third ODI: Monday, January 26, Colombo
