Sri Lanka has locked in a formidable 16-player roster for their T20 International series against England, starting January 30. Spanning three high-stakes games until February 3, the series is pivotal as a litmus test before the 2026 T20 World Cup curtain-raiser on February 7.
Prioritizing stability post recent T20s, selectors held onto key performers to solidify the team’s blueprint. This clash offers both England and Sri Lanka a last chance to sharpen skills, assess physical readiness, and perfect team equilibrium under T20 World Cup pressures.
Key returns include veteran aggressor Kusal Perera, fiery Dushmantha Chameera, and promising Isitha Malinga, all sidelined during England’s 2-1 ODI victory. Perera’s explosive starts could redefine the top order, blending savvy with power-hitting prowess.
The bowling spearhead strengthens with Chameera partnering Pathirana and Madushan, while Malinga gets a platform to shine. Nissanka, Mendis, Asalanka, and de Silva form a rock-solid core, backed by versatile hitters Liyanage, Mendis, and Rathnayake.
Hasaranga, Theekshana, and Wellalage bring spin sophistication to choke runs in the middle phase.
Full squad under Shanaka’s captaincy: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Pawan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana, Isitha Malinga.
As Colombo prepares for packed stadiums, Sri Lanka’s refreshed unit is geared to challenge England and build unstoppable momentum.