Kusal Mendis named captain as Sri Lanka announce T20I and ODI squads for England tour

Sri Lanka Cricket has announced its 16-member squads for the upcoming white-ball tour of England, with Kusal Mendis named captain of both the T20I and ODI teams. Charith Asalanka will serve as Mendis’ deputy as Sri Lanka take on England in three T20Is and three ODIs between September 15 and 27.The squads feature a mix of experienced campaigners and fresh faces, with off-spinner Tharindu Rathnayake earning his maiden white-ball call-up for the T20I series. Leg-spinner Sachindu Colombage, 28, has also received his first international call-up after being included in the ODI squad.Kusal Mendis to lead both formatsMendis will have Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga among the senior names in both squads. The bowling departments will feature the likes of Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera and Eshan Malinga, while Dunith Wellalage also retains his place across both formats.The T20I squad has a couple of notable changes, with Lahiru Udara, Tharindu Rathnayake, Nuwan Thushara and Binura Fernando included.Sri Lanka's T20I squad: Kusal Mendis (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Lahiru Udara, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Tharindu Rathnayake, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando.ODI squad includes first call-up for colombageColombage's inclusion is the biggest talking point in Sri Lanka's ODI squad, with the leg-spinner receiving his first international call-up at the age of 28. The ODI squad also includes Pavan Rathnayake and Sachindu Colombage, while Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka bolster the pace attack.Sri Lanka's ODI squad: Kusal Mendis (c), 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, Dilshan Madushanka.The T20I series will begin in Southampton on September 15, followed by matches in Cardiff on September 17 and Manchester on September 19. The teams will then move into the three-match ODI series, beginning in Chester-le-Street on September 22. The second ODI will be played in Leeds on September 24 before the tour concludes at The Oval on September 27.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.