Sri Lanka Cricket has officially named a 17-member ODI squad for the upcoming three-match home series against England, starting 22 January 2026 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS), Colombo. The selectors have shown clear faith in continuity, retaining the core of the squad from the previous ODI assignment, while also welcoming back an experienced all-rounder.
Middle-order batter Charith Asalanka will continue to lead the side in the 50-over format. The biggest positive for Sri Lanka is the return of Dhananjaya de Silva, who adds experience, balance, and leadership depth as the team builds toward the ICC ODI World Cup 2027.
The England series is seen as a key checkpoint in Sri Lanka’s rebuilding phase after mixed results since the 2023 World Cup. With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 just weeks away (to be co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India), this ODI series also serves as a confidence booster before the packed international calendar ahead.
The selectors have largely backed the same group that featured against Pakistan, signalling trust in combinations rather than short-term chopping and changing.
Sri Lanka ODI Squad vs England
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Captain | Charith Asalanka |
| Batters | Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama |
| All-rounders | Dhananjaya de Silva, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga |
| Spinners | Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay |
| Fast bowlers | Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan, Eshan Malinga, Milan Rathnayake |
| Additional option | Pawan Ratnayake |
Also see: ICC ODI Rankings Update: Daryl Mitchell Replaces Virat Kohli as World No.1 Batter
Sri Lanka Squad Breakdown
Batting unit:
Sri Lanka’s top order will once again rely on Pathum Nissanka for stability, with Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama providing aggression and flexibility. The middle order looks deeper with Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, and Janith Liyanage capable of handling pressure situations.
Bowling attack:
Spin remains Sri Lanka’s biggest weapon at home. Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana will be central on Colombo surfaces, supported by Jeffrey Vandersay and left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage. The pace attack, led by Asitha Fernando and Pramod Madushan, offers discipline rather than raw pace.
Key return:
Dhananjaya de Silva’s inclusion adds experience and calmness, especially against a strong England batting line-up.
Also see: Pakistan T20 World Cup Squad 2026: Team List, Captain, Schedule
ODI Series Schedule vs England (All Matches in Colombo)
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | 22 January 2026 (Day-Night) | RPICS, Colombo |
| 2nd ODI | 24 January 2026 | RPICS, Colombo |
| 3rd ODI | 27 January 2026 | RPICS, Colombo |
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