The ECB has unveiled the England Playing 11 for the 1st T20I vs Sri Lanka, which is set to be played on January 30 at Pallekele.
After securing a 2-1 win in the ODI series, England will be aiming for a positive note in the T20I series ahead of the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Pace bowler Jofra Archer, who has been named in England’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad, has been included after making a full recovery from the side strain that brought his Ashes campaign to an early end late last year.
England named their playing 11, with Phil Salt companied along with Jos Buttler and Tom Banton.
Will Jacks has also returned after an injury, while Jamie Overton is preferred to Luke Wood and Brydon Carse. Ben Duckett was not considered for the selection after bruising a finger during the third ODI.
England Playing 11: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (c), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka has announced their squad for the T20I series against England, and captain Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lanka retains the core group that featured in their recent series against Pakistan.
Pavan Rathnayake has been returned to the Sri Lanka squad with Nuwan Thushara and batting all-rounder Kamindu Mendis. Legspinner Dushan Hemantha has also been left out.
On the other hand, left-arm spinning all-rounder Dunith Wellalage has retained his place in the T20I squad. Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga are the other two frontline spinners.
Dhananjaya de Silva and Charith Asalanka have been named in the squad. The series will serve as the final preparation for both sides ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, starting on February 07.
Sri Lanka Squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga
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