Colombo, 04 September (H.S.): Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis has been ruled out of the upcoming T20 International series against England after failing to recover in time from a hamstring injury. In his absence, Charith Asalanka will captain the Sri Lankan side.

Kusal Mendis sustained the hamstring injury in July while playing for Colombo Kings in the Lanka Premier League, after featuring in two matches. The injury also kept him out of Sri Lanka’s two-Test home series against India. Asalanka was initially named the team’s vice-captain, but he has now been handed the captaincy. The series will also mark his return to T20 International cricket, having been dropped from the squad for Sri Lanka’s tour of the West Indies in June.

Batter Pavan Rathnayake has been added to the squad in place of Kusal Mendis. Left-arm fast bowler Binura Fernando has been replaced by Dilshan Madushanka, with Fernando set to miss the T20 series due to a back injury. The first T20 International between Sri Lanka and England will be played at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on September 15.

Sri Lanka’s revised squad for the T20 International series against England:

Charith Asalanka (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Lahiru Udara, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Tharindu Rathnayake, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Nuwan Thushara, Pavan Rathnayake, Dilshan Madushanka.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar