Sri Lanka's white-ball cricket captain, Kusal Mendis, has been officially ruled out of the upcoming T20 series against England due to a right hamstring injury, as confirmed by the Sri Lanka Cricket Board on Friday. The absence of the 31-year-old batsman is a significant blow for the team as they prepare for a challenging series on foreign soil.
In Mendis's absence, Charith Asalanka will take over the captaincy for the three-match T20 series, which is set to commence on September 15 in Southampton. Asalanka, who serves as the deputy skipper, will lead a squad that is looking to build momentum ahead of the subsequent ODI series against the same opponents.
The Sri Lankan cricket team is also dealing with another injury concern, as fast bowler Binura Fernando is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a back injury. The cricket board did not specify whether Mendis would be fit to participate in the ODI series that follows the T20 matches.
To fill the gaps left by Mendis and Fernando, Sri Lanka has called up batsman Pavan Rathnayake and fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka. This decision reflects the team's strategy to maintain a competitive edge despite the setbacks.
The first T20 match will take place at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, followed by the second match on September 17 in Cardiff. The series will conclude with the final T20 on September 19 at Old Trafford in Manchester. Following the T20 series, the ODI matches will begin on September 22 at Chester-le-Street, with subsequent games scheduled at Headingley on September 24 and The Oval on September 27.
The revised T20 squad for Sri Lanka now includes Charith Asalanka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Lahiru Udara, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Tharindu Rathnayake, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Nuwan Thushara, Pavan Rathnayake, and Dilshan Madushanka. The team will be eager to make an impact in the series, especially with a new captain at the helm.
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