ENG vs SL will feature a revamped Sri Lankan white-ball side when the two teams meet in England from September 15. Sri Lanka Cricket has announced separate squads for three T20Is and three ODIs, with several notable changes across both formats.
The biggest headline is the return of former captain Dasun Shanaka to the ODI setup. Shanaka has not played an ODI for Sri Lanka since January 2024, meaning his selection marks a return after an absence of 32 months.
The selectors have also introduced new faces and brought back experienced players as Sri Lanka prepare for a tour that will test their adaptability in English conditions. Uncapped leg-spinner Sachindu Colombage has earned an ODI call-up, while Charith Asalanka returns to the T20I squad and will serve as Kusal Mendis’ deputy.
The tour begins on September 15 with the T20I series before the three-match ODI contest starts on September 22. The final ODI is scheduled for September 27.
Dasun Shanaka Returns to Sri Lanka ODI Squad
The most significant selection decision is the return of Dasun Shanaka to Sri Lanka’s ODI squad. The former captain’s last appearance in the format came in January 2024, making his recall one of the most notable developments in the country’s current white-ball setup.
Shanaka has been included among a group of experienced players who will travel to England for the three-match ODI series. His return gives Sri Lanka another proven option in the middle and lower order while also adding experience to a squad containing several younger players.
His previous international leadership experience could also be valuable away from home, although Kusal Mendis remains Sri Lanka’s captain for the series.
The recall also indicates that the selectors are keeping experienced players in consideration rather than relying exclusively on a settled group. For Shanaka, the England series provides an opportunity to re-establish himself in the ODI setup.
Sri Lanka Make Changes Across Both White-Ball Squads
Sri Lanka have made several adjustments rather than making wholesale changes. The T20I squad sees four players dropped, while the ODI group includes changes in both personnel and bowling resources.
Among the notable omissions from the T20I squad are Lasith Croospulle, Pavan Rathnayake, Milan Rathnayake and Dilshan Madushanka.
The changes create opportunities for players who have impressed domestically. Lahiru Udara returns to the T20I squad after a three-year absence following an outstanding Lanka Premier League campaign.
Janith Liyanage and Tharindu Rathnayake have also been included. Tharindu is yet to make his T20I debut, meaning the England tour could potentially provide him with his first opportunity at international level.
| Format | Captain | Vice-Captain | Major Selection Story |
|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | Kusal Mendis | Charith Asalanka | Dasun Shanaka recalled after 32 months |
| T20I | Kusal Mendis | Charith Asalanka | Lahiru Udara returns after three years |
Charith Asalanka Returns as T20I Vice-Captain
Charith Asalanka has been recalled to the T20I squad after missing Sri Lanka’s series against the West Indies. His return immediately strengthens the experience available around captain Kusal Mendis.
Asalanka has also been appointed vice-captain, giving him an important leadership role during the England series. His recent domestic form provides a strong reason for his return.
Representing Galle Giants in the LPL 2026, Asalanka scored 385 runs from 11 innings at an average of 38.50. His strike rate of 153.38 highlighted his ability to combine consistency with aggressive scoring in the shortest format.
He also registered four fifties during the competition, tying for the most half-centuries in the tournament.
For Sri Lanka, the decision offers both batting quality and leadership depth. Asalanka’s ability to operate in pressure situations could become particularly important against an England side accustomed to playing attacking white-ball cricket.
Lahiru Udara Gets Another Opportunity
Another interesting inclusion is Lahiru Udara, who has returned to Sri Lanka’s T20I squad after a lengthy absence of three years.
His recall follows a productive LPL 2026 campaign in which he finished as the competition’s leading run-scorer. That performance has earned him another chance to prove that his domestic form can translate to the international stage.
Udara’s selection reflects a broader approach from Sri Lanka’s selectors: rewarding current form while maintaining a mixture of experience and emerging talent.
The challenge for Udara will be significantly greater in England. International cricket brings stronger bowling attacks, different match pressures and unfamiliar conditions, making the tour an important test of his adaptability.
Sachindu Colombage Earns ODI Call-Up
Sri Lanka have also added an uncapped option to their ODI bowling group. Leg-spinner Sachindu Colombage has been included after taking 69 wickets in List A cricket.
His inclusion provides another spin option alongside established names such as Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage and Maheesh Theekshana.
For a young leg-spinner, an England tour can be a valuable learning opportunity. Conditions can vary considerably between venues, and the ability to adjust lengths, pace and variations becomes particularly important when facing aggressive batters.
Colombage’s List A record has earned him the opportunity, but translating domestic success into international cricket will be his next challenge.
Pacers Face Changes Before England Tour
The bowling department has also seen selection changes. Milan Rathnayake and Pramod Madushan have been left out of the ODI setup, while Dilshan Madushanka is among the players dropped from the T20I squad.
At the same time, Sri Lanka have retained several experienced pace options, including Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga and Asitha Fernando in the ODI squad.
The T20I group also includes Nuwan Thushara and Binura Fernando, giving the team different pace-bowling combinations to consider.
English conditions can reward disciplined seam bowling, particularly when bowlers consistently attack the right areas. Sri Lanka’s pace resources will therefore be under close examination during the series.
Full Sri Lanka ODI Squad for England
Sri Lanka will have a mixture of experienced international players and emerging talent in the ODI series. Kusal Mendis leads the team, with Charith Asalanka serving as vice-captain.
The ODI squad includes:
- Kusal Mendis (captain)
- Charith Asalanka (vice-captain)
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kamil Mishara
- Kamindu Mendis
- Janith Liyanage
- Pavan Rathnayake
- Dasun Shanaka
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Dunith Wellalage
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Sachindu Colombage
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Eshan Malinga
- Asitha Fernando
- Dilshan Madushanka
Full Sri Lanka T20I Squad for England
The T20I squad has a slightly different composition, with several players selected specifically for the demands of the shortest format.
- Kusal Mendis (captain)
- Charith Asalanka (vice-captain)
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kamil Mishara
- Lahiru Udara
- Kamindu Mendis
- Janith Liyanage
- Dasun Shanaka
- Dunith Wellalage
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Tharindu Rathnayake
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Eshan Malinga
- Nuwan Thushara
- Binura Fernando
ENG vs SL Schedule: September Tour Begins on September 15
The Sri Lanka tour of England will begin with three T20Is. The opening match is scheduled for September 15, followed by the remaining games before the teams switch their attention to the longer white-ball format.
The ODI series begins on September 22 and concludes with the third match on September 27.
| Series | Matches | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| T20I series | 3 | September 15 | September 19 |
| ODI series | 3 | September 22 | September 27 |
England Provide a Major Test for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s squad changes come at a challenging time because England have established an aggressive approach in white-ball cricket. The hosts will be looking to make conditions count, while Sri Lanka will need to adapt quickly.
The T20I series will be especially demanding because England enter the contest after defeating reigning T20 champions India 4-0 in a five-match series on home soil.
That result underlines the level of competition Sri Lanka are about to face. England’s ability to maintain a high scoring tempo means Sri Lanka’s bowling attack will need to be precise, while their batters will have to avoid losing wickets in clusters.
At the same time, the series represents a significant opportunity. Playing against a strong home side can expose weaknesses that might remain hidden during less demanding assignments.
Can Sri Lanka’s New Mix Deliver?
The biggest question surrounding the ENG vs SL series is whether Sri Lanka’s blend of returning veterans and emerging players can produce enough consistency.
Dasun Shanaka’s ODI comeback provides experience, while Charith Asalanka’s return adds batting quality and leadership to the T20I side. Lahiru Udara brings recent domestic form, and Sachindu Colombage offers a fresh spin option.
However, selection changes alone cannot guarantee results. Sri Lanka will need strong starts from their top order, controlled bowling through the middle overs and effective execution at the death.
The ability to adapt between T20Is and ODIs will also matter. The two formats require different approaches to risk, pacing and bowling management.
What Shanaka’s Return Could Mean for Sri Lanka
Shanaka’s return is arguably the most intriguing subplot of the tour. His experience gives Sri Lanka another player familiar with international pressure, while his long absence from ODI cricket means expectations will need to be balanced with realism.
The England series could serve as an important assessment period. If Shanaka performs consistently, his experience could become increasingly valuable as Sri Lanka plan their future ODI combinations.
His presence also gives the middle order another player capable of changing the momentum of an innings. That flexibility can be particularly useful against bowling attacks that apply pressure during the middle overs.
Sri Lanka’s Ranking Challenge
Sri Lanka currently sit ninth in the relevant T20I rankings, just above Afghanistan. That position highlights the importance of producing consistent results against stronger opposition.
With Afghanistan also preparing to face India in a three-match T20I series beginning September 13, Sri Lanka’s upcoming games carry additional importance in the broader competitive picture.
Ranking positions can change as teams accumulate results, but the larger objective for Sri Lanka is to develop a dependable white-ball core capable of competing consistently against the strongest sides.
Final Verdict: A Fresh Opportunity in England
Sri Lanka’s announcement of their squads for the England tour has created several talking points. The return of Dasun Shanaka to the ODI side after 32 months is the biggest headline, while Charith Asalanka’s return and appointment as T20I vice-captain adds another layer of experience.
The selection of Lahiru Udara rewards outstanding domestic form, while Sachindu Colombage’s inclusion provides an exciting opportunity for an uncapped leg-spinner with a strong List A record.
At the same time, the omission of several players shows that Sri Lanka’s selectors are willing to adjust their combinations ahead of an important overseas assignment.
The ENG vs SL white-ball series begins on September 15, with three T20Is followed by three ODIs. Against an England team coming off a dominant T20I series win over India, Sri Lanka will face a demanding test of their new-look squads.
For Shanaka, it is a chance to make a statement on his ODI return. For Asalanka and Udara, it is an opportunity to build momentum. And for younger players such as Colombage and Tharindu Rathnayake, the tour could represent an important step toward establishing themselves in international cricket.
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