Dhananjaya de Silva Makes ODI Comeback: Sri Lanka Name Strong 17-Member Squad for England Series

Sri Lanka have announced their 17-member ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against England, with Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva making a significant return to the 50-over format. The talented allrounder last featured in ODI cricket for Sri Lanka during the 2023 World Cup, having spent most of 2025 sidelined from the shorter formats.

Key Squad Inclusions and Returns

The selection committee has brought back two crucial players who missed Sri Lanka's last ODI assignment against Pakistan. Alongside de Silva, left-arm spinning allrounder Dunith Wellalage has also earned a recall to the squad, adding both bowling variety and batting depth to the lineup.

De Silva's return is particularly noteworthy given his leadership experience as Test captain. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball in the middle order could prove invaluable against a competitive England side.

Pace Bowling Concerns: Three Frontline Quicks Unavailable

In a notable development, Sri Lanka will be without their three fastest limited-overs bowlers for this series:

• Dushmantha Chameera – Being rested
• Dilshan Madushanka – Ruled out with injury
• Matheesha Pathirana – Not selected for this format

The pace attack will instead be led by Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan, and Eshan Malinga. Allrounder Milan Rathnayake, who has played just one ODI against Bangladesh in July, will provide additional seam bowling support. Rathnayake brings valuable experience having enjoyed success against England in the Test format.

Spin Department Remains Strong

Sri Lanka's spin bowling unit looks formidable with a well-balanced combination:

• Wanindu Hasaranga continues as the primary leg-spinner
• Jeffrey Vandersay reclaims the second legspinner spot
• Dunith Wellalage offers left-arm spin variety
• Maheesh Theekshana provides off-spin options

This four-pronged spin attack gives captain Charith Asalanka plenty of options on the Khettarama surface, which traditionally assists slow bowlers.

Multi-Skilled Squad Composition

The selectors have prioritized versatility in their squad selection, naming several multi-skilled cricketers including Janith Liyanage and captain Charith Asalanka. This approach provides flexibility in team composition based on match situations and conditions.

Notable Omissions

• Dasun Shanaka – The T20I captain has not been included
• Lahiru Udara – The opener who featured in the Pakistan series misses out

Full Sri Lanka Squad for England ODI Series

Captain: Charith Asalanka

Batters: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Pavan Rathnayake

Allrounders: Dhananjaya de Silva, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Milan Rathnayake

Spinners: Wanindu Hasaranga, Jeffrey Vandersay, Maheesh Theekshana

Pace Bowlers: Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan, Eshan Malinga

Series Details and What Lies Ahead

The three-match ODI series will be played entirely at the R. Premadasa Stadium (Khettarama) in Colombo, with the first match scheduled for Thursday. Playing all matches at a single venue gives Sri Lanka home advantage and allows them to prepare specific strategies suited to familiar conditions.

With de Silva's experience and Wellalage's youthful energy added to the mix, Sri Lanka will be looking to exploit what they perceive as vulnerabilities in the England setup. The hosts will hope their spin-heavy attack can challenge England's batters in subcontinental conditions.

The series presents an excellent opportunity for Sri Lanka to build momentum and find their best ODI combination ahead of future bilateral assignments and ICC events.