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Sri Lanka Names 17-Man ODI Squad for England Series Led by Asalanka

Sri Lanka has announced a 17-player squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England, beginning January 22 in Colombo. Charith Asalanka will continue as captain, with the selectors showing faith in a familiar core by retaining 14 players from the recent series against Pakistan. The squad sees bolstering additions like all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva and spinner Dunith Wellalage. With an eye on the 2027 Cricket World Cup, Sri Lanka will look to bounce back from a previous series defeat on their home soil.

Key Points: Sri Lanka ODI Squad vs England: Full Team List & Analysis

  • Charith Asalanka retained as captain
  • 14 players retained from Pakistan series
  • Dhananjaya de Silva among notable additions
  • Squad aims for World Cup 2027 preparation
2 min read

Sri Lanka announce 17-member squad for ODI series against England

Sri Lanka announces 17-member ODI squad for England series. Charith Asalanka to captain. See the full squad list, new additions, and team analysis here.

"Charith Asalanka will continue to lead the side in the white-ball assignment - ICC"

Colombo, January 21

Sri Lanka on Wednesday unveiled a 17-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England, set to begin on January 22 at the RPICS Stadium in Colombo.

Charith Asalanka will continue to lead the side in the white-ball assignment, with Sri Lanka largely backing a familiar core from their previous ODI outing, as per the ICC website.

As many as 14 players who featured in their last ODI series against Pakistan have retained their places, underlining the team management's intent to maintain continuity despite the 3-0 defeat in that series.

The squad does see a few notable additions, including Dhananjaya de Silva, Dunith Wellalage, and Milan Rathnayake, to bolster the squad's experience.

The Asalanka-led unit features a strong batting line-up of Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamil Mishara and Sadeera Samarawickrama, while the middle order also includes Kamindu Mendis and Janith Liyanage.

Sri Lanka's bowling attack offers a balanced mix of pace and spin.

The pace department will be led by Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan and Eshan Malinga, while the spin options include Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay, alongside Wellalage's left-arm spin.

With the next ICC Men's Cricket World Cup on the horizon in 2027, Sri Lanka will be keen to bounce back strongly on home soil.

The ODI series will also be followed by a five-match T20I series, coming just days before the start of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka ODI squad vs England: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Pavan Rathnayake, Dhananjaya de Silva, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jeffrey Vandersay, Maheesh Theekshana, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan, Eshan Malinga.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
Exciting series ahead! England are always a tough opponent in white-ball cricket. Sri Lanka's spin attack with Hasaranga and Theekshana could be the key on home pitches. Hope it's a competitive contest.
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Vikram M
As an Indian fan, I always enjoy watching our neighbours play. Their cricket has so much flair. Hoping for a good series to build momentum before the T20 World Cup later this year, which we are co-hosting!
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Priya S
Glad to see Dunith Wellalage back. He's a talented young all-rounder. But I'm a bit worried about the pace attack without someone like Chameera. England's batters might target Fernando and Madushan.
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Rohit P
Solid squad. The experience of Dhananjaya de Silva will be crucial. Hope they use this series to fix their issues before the 2027 World Cup. The subcontinent needs a strong Sri Lankan team!
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Michael C
Respectfully, I think the selection is too conservative. After a whitewash, maybe it was time to inject some fresh blood instead of retaining 14 players. The road to 2027 needs new heroes, not just continuity.

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