After being sacked as Sri Lanka's skipper for the 2026 T20 World Cup, Charith Asalanka will continue to lead the team in the ODI format. He has been named as the captain for the side's upcoming one-day assignment against England that will commence from January 22. They have also decided to recall Dushmantha Chameera and Dhananjaya de Silva for the series.
Asalanka had recently left the Pakistan tour mid-way and had returned back home alongside Asitha Fernando after fallinmg ill. However, he has now retained his fitness and thus, has been named as the side's captain once again. Chameera's return significantly strengthens the Lankan Lions' bowling attack while de Silva will provide with depth in the batting order.
Sri Lanka's team for the assignment
The team consists of a strong top-order including Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Kamindu Mendis. They also have a variety of all-round options in Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage and de Silva. They have a stacked pace attack up their sleeves which includes the likes of Chameera, Pramod Madushan, Asitha Fernando, Milan Rathnayake and Eshan Malinga. Finally, Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay have been brought in as the proper spinners.
Sri Lanka's squad for England ODIs: Charith Asalanka (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Pavan Rathnayake, Dhananjaya de Silva, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jeffrey Vandersay, Maheesh Theekshana, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan, Eshan Malinga.
Crawley makes long ODI return
Meanwhile, England have already announced their playing XI for the first ODI against Sri Lanka. Zak Crawley is set to make his return to the format after over two years. They have kept Sam Curran and Jamie Overton as the two pacers in the XI while Liam Dawson and Adil Rashid are the spin options. Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks are the other spinners who can be used during the match. The likes of Rehan Ahmed, Tom Banton, Brydon Carse and Luke Wood did not make the cut into the XI.
England's playing XI for 1st ODI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid.