Malinga and Kapugedara return to Sri Lanka T20I squad for Australia tour

After winning their first ever series on South African soil in the form of T20s, Sri Lanka is all set to travel to Australia to compete in a three-match bilateral T20I series starting on 17th February at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The next two matches will be played in Victoria and Adelaide on 19th and 22nd February respectively.

This will be a big opportunity for the islanders to win their first ever series on Australia soil as T20 is the only format where they can really challenge the mighty Aussies. Their Test and 50 overs performance have been pretty ordinary off late but to win the T20I series in South Africa will surely bolster their confidence ahead of the three-match series.

The 15 member squad will be led by Upul Tharanga as the regular skipper Angelo Mathews is recuperating from an ankle injury. Slinga Malinga is making a return a long injury layoff which will surely bolster their confidence ahead of the T20I series. Veteran Chamara Kapudagera is also making a return as the middle order lacks experience and stability. Milinda Siriwardena who didn’t travel to South Africa has also been recalled.

The bowling department will be spearheaded by Lasith Malinga after a long time and he will be given able support by Nuwan Kulasekera and Isuru Udana. Left-arm chinaman bowler Lakshan Sandakan who has been in terrific form will play a vital role if Sri Lanka harbours hope of upsetting Australia in their own territory.

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Niroshan Dickwella who has been in terrific form continued to occupy the opening slot along with Tharanga followed by Kusal Mendis and Asela Gunarathna. Sekkuge Prasanna who was instrumental in giving Sri Lanka their first series win in South Africa retains his place in the squad.

SL squad- Upal Tharanga (c), Niroshan Dickwella, Asela Gunarathna, Dilshan Munaweera, Kusal Mendis, Milinda Siriwardena, Sachith Pathirana, Chamara Kapugedara, Seekuge Prassanna, Nuan Kulaskera, Isuru Udana, Dasun Chanaka, Lakshan Sandakan, Lasith Malinga, Vikum Sanjaya.