Colombo, 5 September 2026 — The Sri Lanka Men’s National Cricket Team is set to depart for England today for a crucial six-match white-ball tour, featuring three T20 Internationals and three One-Day Internationals. The tour, which begins on 15 September, represents an important opportunity for Sri Lanka to test its depth, adaptability and competitive edge in English conditions.
The tour comes at a significant stage in Sri Lanka’s white-ball development, with the team balancing immediate results against the longer-term objective of building a strong squad ahead of the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Sri Lanka will begin the campaign with three T20Is, with matches scheduled in Southampton on 15 September, Cardiff on 17 September and Manchester on 19 September. The ODI series will follow, with matches in Chester-le-Street on 22 September, Leeds on 24 September and The Oval in London on 27 September.
A TOUR OF OPPORTUNITY AND CHALLENGE
The original selection saw Kusal Mendis appointed captain in both formats, with Charith Asalanka as vice-captain. However, an injury setback has forced an important change before departure. Mendis will miss the T20I series while continuing rehabilitation from a hamstring injury sustained during the Lanka Premier League. Charith Asalanka will therefore captain the T20I side, with Pavan Rathnayake added to the squad.
The change provides Asalanka with an immediate leadership opportunity and gives Sri Lanka the chance to assess its depth in the absence of one of its senior players.
BATTING DEPTH KEY TO SUCCESS
Pathum Nissanka remains one of the major players to watch after a strong run of form. His ability to establish momentum at the top of the order could be particularly important against an England attack capable of applying pressure with pace.
The presence of Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga gives Sri Lanka valuable flexibility through the middle and lower order. The combination of batting depth and all-round options could allow Sri Lanka to adopt different strategies depending on conditions and match situations.
ENGLAND CONDITIONS WILL TEST THE ATTACK
Sri Lanka’s bowling unit will face a major examination in conditions that can offer movement and assistance to seamers. Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka provide pace options, while Maheesh Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga and Dunith Wellalage offer variety through spin and all-round capabilities.
England, meanwhile, enter the series with significant confidence following a successful white-ball home campaign against India. Harry Brook will captain the hosts, with experienced players including Joe Root, Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid included in the squads.
MORE THAN SIX MATCHES
For Sri Lanka, this tour is more than a short bilateral assignment. It is an opportunity to measure the team’s progress against one of the world’s leading white-ball sides, identify players capable of performing away from home and strengthen the core that could carry the team towards the 2027 World Cup.
The series will ultimately test whether Sri Lanka can combine its emerging talent with experience, adapt quickly to English conditions and maintain consistency across two different white-ball formats.
With the team departing today, the focus now shifts from preparation to performance — and England provides a demanding stage on which Sri Lanka can make its next statement.
Sri Lanka T20I Squad: Charith Asalanka (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, Pavan Rathnayake and Dilshan Madushanka.
ODI Squad: Kusal Mendis (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Sachindu Colombage, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka
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