Sri Lanka Cricket has announced a revamped 17-player squad for the home ODI series against England, with Charith Asalanka taking the helm as captain. This appointment comes after his T20I captaincy was revoked in preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup, positioning him to rebuild the ODI unit. The series, starting January 22, promises high stakes at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium.
Key comebacks include Dhananjaya de Silva and Dushmantha Chameera, injecting vital experience into the side. Most of the Pakistan series squad remains, ensuring stability. Top-order strength lies with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, supported by Kamil Mishara, Sadeera Samarawickrama, and the versatile Kamindu Mendis. Zenith Liyanage bolsters the middle order for depth.
The bowling department reflects meticulous planning: pacers Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan, and Ishan Maling offer variety, complemented by spinners Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Dunith Wellalage. This arsenal is tailored for subcontinental pitches.
Schedules detail three ODIs on January 22, 24, and 27 in Colombo, transitioning to T20Is on January 30, February 1, and 3 at Pallekele. Head-to-head stats show parity—England’s 38 wins to Sri Lanka’s 37 in 79 ODIs—with home advantage potentially tipping scales for the Lankans amid their form dip.
Asalanka’s leadership could spark a resurgence. With a balanced squad and familiar venues, Sri Lanka eyes a confidence-boosting series win against a formidable England, blending nostalgia with new ambitions in white-ball cricket.
