Dinesh Chandimal to lead Lankans in T20I match against Aussies

Sri Lanka wicketkeeper batsman Dinesh Chandimal will lead the Sri Lanka squad in the absence of skipper Angelo Mathews. The latter was also ruled out of the final ODI against Sri Lanka with a hamstring injury he reportedly sustained by batting in the fourth One-Dayer. However, after being thumped 4-1 in the ODI series, it is now Sri Lanka who is well and truly on the receiving end of the loss.

The selectors have rung in the changes with many a new face getting the call up into arms for the two-match T20 international series to be played at Pallekele and Colombo respectively. David Warner will lead the Aussies once again in both the matches with Aaron Finch and other captain material players opting away from the role.

The spotlight as far as the Lankans will be completely on 39-year old Tillakaratne Dilshan who will be playing his final T20 series. Having played his final ODI against the Aussies in Dambulla, Dilshan will be hoping to make his opportunity and his swansong count. The Lankan selectors have persisted with Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera for the T20Is. The latter was appointed as the skipper for the final ODI ahead of Dinesh Chandimal which caught the eye of many.

Another surprising aspect of the Lankan squad for the T20 series is the absence of Lakshan Sandakan and Amila Aponso who impressed in the Test and ODI series respectively. All-rounder Dasun Shanka re-enters the fray with experienced campaigner Chamara Kapugedera also entering the squad. Kasun Rajitha, who played his last T20 international against India in the prelude to the Asia Cup 2016 is recalled. Sachitra Senanayake and Sekkuge Prasanna are the other additions to the squad.

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Sri Lanka T20I squad for the T20I against Australia:

Kusal Perera, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Dinesh Chandimal (C), Dhananjaya De Silva, Chamara Kapugedara, Milinda Siriwardana, Kusal Mendis, Seekkuge Prasanna, Sachithra Senanayaka, Suranga Lakmal, Thisara Perera, Sachith Pathirana, Kasun Rajitha, Dasun Shanaka