Sri Lanka Cricket announce 24-member squad for the limited overs series against England

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has named a strong 24-member squad for the upcoming tour of England which is set to begin on June 23. The tour comprises three T20Is and three ODIs. The Islanders were last seen in action against Bangladesh. Kusal Perera will be in charge of the squad for both formats.

The squad is huge considering the bio-bubble restrictions and keeping in mind the injuries and hard quarantine rules. The team will aim to get back to winning ways against a strong England side, thereby registering their first series win in the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League. The squad boasts few experienced players such as Nuwan Pradeep, Kusal Mendis, and Dhananjaya de Silva.

Apart from the experienced players, Sri Lankan selectors have also included four uncapped players in the squad- Dhananjaya Lakshan, Ishan Jayaratne, Charith Asalanka, and Shiran Fernando.

The inclusion of these players will give selectors an idea about the depth of the team considering the ICC T20 World Cup is just five months away. With England being the top team, the series presents itself as a nice opportunity for the Lankans to try and be competitive before entering the showpiece event.

Sri Lanka look to get back to winning ways

Sri Lanka’s England tour will start on June 18 with a practice match against Kent. The Island nation will play another practice game before they face off with England in three T20Is. After that, they will take part in the 50-overs format and look to get back to winning ways after a poor performance against Bangladesh. Although Sri Lanka managed to salvage some pride by winning the last match, overall they would be disappointed in not winning the two games.

Recently, there was also news that the players were not happy with the steep pay-cut made by the SLC. With so much distraction going on off the field, the Lankan Lions will surely hope to put in a spirited performance against England.

Sri Lanka’s squad for ODIs and T20Is against England:

 Kusal Perera (c), Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka, Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Oshada Fernando, Akila Dananjaya, Dushmantha Chameera, Isuru Udana, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Pradeep, Shiran Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Niroshan Dickwella, Dasun Shanaka, Chamika Karunaratne, Dhananjaya Lakshan, Wanindu Hasaranga, Ramesh Mendis, Lakshan Sandakan, Asitha Fernando and Ishan Jayaratne.