Sri Lanka Announce 17-Member ODI Squad for England Series: Charith Asalanka to Lead

Sri Lanka have announced their 17-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England, with the first match set to commence on January 22, 2026, at the RPICS Stadium in Colombo.

Charith Asalanka will continue his tenure as white-ball captain, leading a squad that emphasizes continuity and experience ahead of this crucial home assignment.

Squad Composition and Key Selections

The selectors have retained 14 players from the squad that featured in their previous ODI series against Pakistan, demonstrating a clear intent to build consistency despite the 3-0 defeat in that series.

Full Squad

Captain: Charith Asalanka

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

All-rounders: Dhananjaya de Silva, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga

Spinners: Jeffrey Vandersay, Maheesh Theekshana

Pace Bowlers: Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan, Eshan Malinga

Batting Strength and Depth

Sri Lanka's batting lineup presents a formidable challenge for England's bowlers on familiar home conditions. The top order features the experienced duo of Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, both proven performers in ODI cricket.

Kamil Mishara and Sadeera Samarawickrama provide additional solidity, while the versatile Kamindu Mendis and Janith Liyanage strengthen the middle order. Captain Charith Asalanka, known for his match-winning centuries in pressure situations, anchors the batting unit.

Bowling Arsenal: Pace and Spin Balance

The bowling attack showcases a well-balanced combination of pace and spin options, perfectly suited for Sri Lankan conditions.

Spin Department

Wanindu Hasaranga leads the spin contingent, bringing his proven wicket-taking ability to the fore. The mystery spinner Maheesh Theekshana and the experienced Jeffrey Vandersay complete the frontline spin options, while Dunith Wellalage's left-arm spin adds variety to the attack.

Pace Attack

Asitha Fernando spearheads the pace bowling unit, supported by Pramod Madushan and Eshan Malinga. Milan Rathnayake's inclusion adds depth and experience to the seam bowling options.

Notable Squad Additions

Three key players return to bolster the squad's experience:

• Dhananjaya de Silva – The veteran all-rounder brings crucial experience and batting depth
• Dunith Wellalage – The young left-arm spinner adds variety to the bowling attack
• Milan Rathnayake – The seam bowling all-rounder strengthens the pace department

Leadership Under Charith Asalanka

Charith Asalanka continues to lead Sri Lanka's white-ball ambitions, having established himself as the team's ODI and T20I captain. His ability to lead from the front with match-defining knocks while managing a talented squad will be crucial as Sri Lanka seek redemption on home soil after their Pakistan series defeat.

Series Schedule

All three ODI matches will be played at Colombo:

Looking Ahead: T20 World Cup Preparations

This ODI series carries significant importance for Sri Lanka's broader cricketing ambitions. With the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027 on the horizon, Sri Lanka will be eager to build momentum and establish winning combinations.

The ODI series will be followed by a five-match T20I series against England, providing crucial preparation just days before the ICC Men's T20 World Cup kicks off in India and Sri Lanka.

For Sri Lanka, home advantage and familiar conditions present the perfect opportunity to bounce back strongly and set the tone for an exciting year of international cricket ahead.