DDS BACK!!!
Sri Lanka’s selectors have sent out a clear message with the squad for the three-match ODI series against England starting this week. It is a selection that balances immediate needs with an eye firmly fixed on next month’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, even if it means leaving out some familiar faces and taking calculated risks with others.
The most notable inclusion is Dhananjaya de Silva, who was brought into white-ball cricket after a long hiatus by the new selectors. De Silva, who is widely expected to be part of the T20 World Cup squad, has been included in the ODI side as selectors look to give him extended exposure at international level. His return to the 50-over format comes after a long absence, with his last ODI appearance dating back to the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
While the timing may raise eyebrows, the logic behind the move is clear. With the T20 World Cup around the corner, Sri Lanka are keen to ensure that de Silva regains rhythm and confidence against quality opposition. England remain a strong white-ball side and the series offers an ideal platform for de Silva to rediscover his touch with both bat and ball. Although he was not exceptional during the recent home series against Pakistan, de Silva showed enough to underline his value as a stabilising presence in the middle order and a handy off spinner who can break partnerships.
His continued faith in the T20 setup has come at a cost for Kusal Janith Perera. The dashing left hander has been left out, meaning he will miss out on what would have been a home World Cup. It is a tough call, but one that reflects the selectors’ preference for balance and flexibility. De Silva offers composure, experience and bowling options, elements that carry significant weight in tournament cricket.
In contrast, fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera has been rested from the ODI series due to a groin injury. The management has opted for caution, prioritising his fitness ahead of the T20 series, which will be Sri Lanka’s final assignment before the World Cup. Chameera remains a key component of Sri Lanka’s pace attack and his return for the T20s is crucial, especially on sub-continental pitches where his pace and aggression can make a difference.
Among those missing out is Lahiru Udara, who travelled with the team to Pakistan for the ODI series but has not found a place this time around. Nuwanidu Fernando, Sahan Arachchige, Sonal Dinusha and Tharindu Ratnayake who was brought down from South Africa have missed out their places in the side. The rest of the batting unit remains largely unchanged, with Pavan Rathnayake retaining his place in the 17-man squad. Rathnayake’s continued inclusion suggests that selectors are keen to persist with youth, even if opportunities at the top level have been limited so far.
The selection of Milan Rathnayake is another indication of long term planning. The bowling all-rounder has been brought in with an eye on the 50-over World Cup next year. At 29, Rathnayake is no longer a prospect in the traditional sense, but selectors appear convinced that he can develop into a reliable option. He has played just one ODI, against Bangladesh in Colombo last year, where he failed to make an impression with either bat or ball. This series against England will offer him a chance to reset and prove that he can contribute consistently at international level.
Sri Lanka’s spin department remains the backbone of the side. Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga form a formidable group, capable of exploiting home conditions. However, Hasaranga, arguably Sri Lanka’s most potent match winner in white-ball cricket, is likely to be rested during the ODI series. The decision is less about form and more about preservation. Hasaranga’s fitness and sharpness are vital for Sri Lanka’s World Cup ambitions, and the team management is keen to ensure he arrives at the tournament fresh and fully fit.
The selectors picked Lahiru Kumara, who has endured a frustrating period on the sidelines due to injuries since January last year but the 28-year-old has yet another hamstring injury during training. Thus he has now been replaced by Eshan Malinga. Alongside him are Pramod Madushan, Asitha Fernando and Milan Rathnayake, a group that blends raw pace with control.
For Sri Lanka, these three matches will serve as both a test and a tune up, offering valuable answers ahead of a tournament that will be played on home soil and under intense scrutiny.
| ODI squad for England series | |
 1. Charith Asalanka (Captain)2. Pathum Nissanka 3. Kamil Mishara 4. Kusal Mendis 5. Sadeera Samarawickrema 6. Dhananjaya de Silva 7. Janith Liyanage 8. Kamindu Mendis 9. Pavan Rathnayake 10. Dunith Wellalage 11. Jeffrey Vandersay 12. Wanindu Hasaranga 13. Milan Rathnayake 14. Eshan Malinga 15. Pramod Madushan 16. Maheesh Theekshana 17. Asitha Fernando |