Dhananjaya de Silva returns as Sri Lanka name squad for ODIs vs England

Published - 21 Jan 2026, 15:15 IST | Updated - 21 Jan 2026, 15:17 IST

Charith Asalanka, who was recently relieved of his duties as Sri Lanka's captain ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, will resume leadership responsibilities in the three-match ODI series against England. All three matches will be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on January 22, 24, and 27.

Asalanka's time in Pakistan during the T20I tri-series, also involving Zimbabwe, had been cut short in November after he fell ill. The southpaw returned home with Asitha Fernando during the tri-series. He is now fit and would be raring to go in the matches against England.

Meanwhile, Dhananjaya de Silva's all-round skills will add substantial balance to the side. However, wicketkeeper-batter Lahiru Udara, who featured in the ODI squad in Pakistan, is the absentee this time around.

Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara should continue at the top of the order, with Kusal Mendis stepping in at No. 3. Sadeera Samarawickrama will have an important role to play in the middle order. All-rounders Dunith Wellalage and Wanindu Hasaranga will have to make a significant impact if Sri Lanka have to get the better of a dangerous England side.

Eshan Malinga and Asitha Fernando are expected to start as frontline seamers for the Island Nation. Janith Liyanage can roll his arm over if required. However, as the conditions are likely to favour the spinners, part-timers like Asalanka and Kusal Mendis could play important roles for the hosts.

Sri Lanka ODI squad: 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.

England named their playing XI on the eve of the first ODI. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett will open the batting, with Joe Root slotting in at No. 3. Jacob Bethell, skipper Harry Brook, and veteran keeper Jos Buttler form a strong middle order.

Will Jacks, Sam Curran, and Jamie Overton have been picked as all-rounders. The latter could bat at No. 9, making the batting look very deep, at least on paper. Specialist spinners Liam Dawson and Adil Rashid will look to use the favourable conditions to their advantage and make a dent in the Sri Lankan batting lineup.

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.