Charith Asalanka has retained the captaincy of the ODI team for the forthcoming England ODI series while two key bowlers Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera have been for this series and selectors have recalled leg spin all rounder Dunith Wellalage and paceman Milan Ratnayake to focus on long term planning for 2027 ODI World Cup next year.
Dushmantha Chameera has been rested form this ODI series due to a groin injury and to release his work load before the T-20 World Cup to give him necessary rest while Hasaranga also focus on T-20 World Cup is being rested for this ODI series as Hasaranga’s fitness and sharpness are vital for Sri Lanka’s world cup ambitions and this is a chance for the replacement bowlers to get good exposure against England. The young Pavan Ratnayake is also among the 17 member ODI squad while Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis also retained in the squad with Kamil Mishara. Pathum Nissanka and Mishara are the two openers while Kusal Mendis as usual number three batter of the team.
All rounder Dhananjaya de Silva has been brought to the ODI squad and he is most probably expected to get a chance to play T-20 World Cup and selectors are expected to give Dhananjaya more exposure from this ODI series before the World Cup. His return to the ODI format comes after 2023 ICC men’s cricket world cup and hope to get his service as experienced all rounder and this is good move to strengthen both batting and spin department.
The selectors also hope to see good wickets during this ODI series to get maximum exposure before the World Cup. Jeffrey Vendersay, Maheesh Theekshana are the other spinners of ODI squad while Promod Madushan, Asitha Fernando and Eshan Malinga are the pacemen with Milan Ratnayake in the 17 member squad which is awaiting approval for the England ODI series.
The National selectors are expected to name the T-20 World Cup squad next week and most probably the squad which is going to play T-20s against England will be named for the World Cup.
The probable Sri Lanka squad for England ODI series: Charith Asalanka (captain), Kusal Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Pathum Nissanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dhananjaya de Silva, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga, Pramod Madushan, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay.