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Eng vs SL 2026 – Kusal Mendis and Binura Fernando ruled out of Sri Lanka’s T20I series in England
The update came just one day later The two were named In the 16-member squad, with Kusal retained as captain of both the T20I and ODI teams. Sharith Asalankawho returned as vice-captain in the series, will now lead the team in T20Is. Although Kusal has not been ruled out of the ODIs yet, if he misses, Asalanka, as the designated vice-captain, may step in there as well.
Kusal has been sidelined since July 19 due to a right hamstring injury, while Benura has not played since August 5, with SLC attributing his absence to a back injury.
Pavan Rathnayakethe 24-year-old top-order batsman, replaced Kusal for the T20I tour, while Dilshan Madushankathe fast bowler who was in the squad for the Tests against India recently but could not play, came in to replace Benura.
Asalanka returned to the leadership group three months after he was sacked as ODI captain and six months after he was sidelined from the T20I unit. He last played a T20I in February this year, but is currently part of the Saint Lucia Kings squad in Criminal Procedure Code 2026. His returns were modest, though: 93 runs with a .124 strikeout rate from six innings.
The T20I matches will be played on September 15 (Southampton), September 17 (Cardiff) and September 19 (Manchester), while the ODI matches will be played on September 22 (Chester-le-Street), September 24 (Leeds) and September 27 (The Oval).
Sri Lanka T20I squad for the tour of England
Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara (wk), Lahiru Udara (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (captain), Janeth Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, Donith Willalage, Wanendu Hasaranga, Mahesh Thekshana, Tharindu Ratnayake, Dushmantha Chameera, Ishan Malinga, Nuwan Thashara, Dilshan Madhushanka.
