Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced the squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England. The selection panel retained all-rounder Charith Asalanka as captain for the home season and focused on long-term planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup in Africa next year.

Ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka will play a limited-overs series against England that will include three ODIs and three T20Is. The ODI leg of the tour will begin in Colombo on January 22, with the third and final ODI taking place on January 27. All three matches will be played at the R Premadasa Stadium.

Sri Lanka names ODI squad for England series, Charith Asalanka retains captaincy

On January 21, Sri Lanka Cricket announced its squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England. Charice Asaranka will continue to captain the team for the series.

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All-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been included in the squad and his fitness and form will be crucial for Sri Lanka’s World Cup plans. The selectors also include spin all-rounder Dunith Wellalage and fast bowler Milan Ratnayake as part of preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera has been sidelined from the series due to a groin injury to cope with the workload ahead of the T20 World Cup. The series also provides an opportunity for other bowlers to take on England, with young pacer Pavan Ratnayake joining the 17-player squad.

Dhananjaya de Silva returns to Sri Lanka ODI squad after 2023 World Cup

Sri Lanka has retained Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis and Kamil Mishara in the ODI series squad against England. Pathum Nissanka and Mishara will open the batting, while Kusal Mendis will continue at number three.

All-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva returns to the ODI squad after the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. The selectors are hoping to give him more opportunities in this series as part of preparations for the T20 World Cup. His experience adds power to his batting and spin options.

The selectors are also hoping for good bowling in the series to help the players gain exposure ahead of the World Cup. Jeffrey Vandersay and Maheesh Theekshana will handle the spin bowling duties.

The pace team consists of 17 members including Pramod Madushan, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga and Milan Ratnayake. The team has received final approval for the ODI series in England.

Sri Lanka squad for England ODI series:

Charith Asalanka (captain), 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

Sri Lanka selectors are looking for playing fields during the ODI series so that players can get maximum exposure ahead of the World Cup. The national selection panel is expected to announce the T20 World Cup squad next week, and the selected teams will also face England.

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