Kusal Mendis and Binura Fernando Withdraw from T20 Series Against England; Charith Asalanka Named Captain
Sri Lankas Kusal Mendis and Binura Fernando will miss the T20 series against England due to injuries, with Charith Asalanka stepping in as captain.
New Delhi, September 4 (Daily Kiran) : Sri Lanka’s ODI and T20 captain Kusal Mendis, along with fast bowler Binura Fernando, will not participate in the upcoming T20 series against England. The announcement was made by Sri Lanka Cricket on Friday, confirming that Charith Asalanka will lead the team in Mendis’s absence.
According to the statement, both players are undergoing rehabilitation for injuries sustained during the Lanka Premier League 2026. Mendis is recovering from a hamstring injury, while Fernando is sidelined due to a back issue.
To fill the gaps left by Mendis and Fernando, Sri Lanka Cricket has included top-order batsman Pawan Rathnayake and Dilshan Madushanka in the squad.
Charith Asalanka, who has not played in the T20 format since the T20 World Cup 2026, will return to captain the side. He was previously removed from the ODI captaincy three months ago.
The Sri Lankan squad for the T20 series, which begins on September 15, features several key players. The team includes Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendes, Charith Asalanka (captain), Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mahesh Tikshana, Tharindu Ratnayake, Dushmantha Chameera, Ishan Malinda, Nuwan Thushara, and Pawan Rathnayake, along with Dilshan Madushanka.
T20 matches promise to be an exciting showcase for Sri Lanka as they regroup and adapt to these changes in their lineup.
