Sri Lanka Cricket Announces 20-Member Squad For Australia T20I Series, Danushka Gunathilaka Makes Come Back

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Wednesday named a 20-member squad for their upcoming five-match T20 International series against Australia.

Danushka Gunathilaka and Kusal Mendis, who were sanctioned a one-year suspension for the COVID-19 bubble breach, have been named in the 20-member squad.

Avishka Fernando, Wanidnu Hasaranga returns to Sri Lanka’s squad for Australia T20Is

The suspension of the duo along with wicket-keeper Niroshan Dickwella was lifted by Sri Lanka Cricket on January 7. Mendis also played in the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe.

However, Dickwella hasn’t been part of either Zimbabwe or the Australia squad since his ban has been revoked.

Sri Lanka batter Avishka Fernando, who missed the Zimbabwe ODI matches after testing positive for COVID-19, is back in the T20I set-up.

All-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga also returned back to the squad after missing the ODI series against the African nation owing to a hamstring injury.

All-rounder Dhananjaya De Silva continues to remain on paternity leave and will miss the five T20I matches against the T20 World champions.

Charith Asalanka named vice-captain for Australia T20I series

Dasun Shanaka will lead the 20-member squad with Charith Asalanka as his deputy for the Australia T20I series.

Sri Lanka defeated Zimbabwe 2-1 in the ODI series and will be fresh to face Aaron Finch and his formidable side in the upcoming T20I series that will test their strength after Mickey Arthur left them.

The T20I series between Australia and Sri Lanka will begin on February 11 with the first two matches being played in Sydney.

The third T20I will be staged at the Manuka Oval in Canberra with the last two matches to be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The T20I series will be concluded by February 20.

Sri Lanka’s 20-member squad for Australia T20I series: Dasun Shanaka (C), Charith Asalanka (vc),  Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Chamika Karunaratne, Janith Liyanage, Kamil Mishara, Ramesh Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Nuwan Thushara, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Praveen Jayawickrama, Shiran Fernando (subject to ministerial approval).

Also Read: SLC Lifts Ban On Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka, And Niroshan Dickwella With Immediate Effect