Lasith Malinga
Lasith Malinga (Credits: Twitter)

Last Update on: October 17th, 2019 at 06:16 pm

Sri Lanka have recalled the big names for their upcoming T20I series in Australia after the successful tour of Pakistan. Several big names including skipper Lasith Malinga had pulled out of the tour due to security reasons. Consequently, Dasun Shanaka led a second-string side and helped the team whitewash Pakistan in the three-match series.

Lasith Malinga will now take over the captaincy from Shanaka and will lead a strong side. Along with Malinga, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella, Lahiru Kumara and Isuru Udana have also returned in the squad. On the other hand, the likes of Shanaka, Oshada Fernando, Nuwan Pradeep, Shehan Jayasuriya, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga and Avishka Fernando have retained their spots in the team.

Lasith Malinga
Lasith Malinga (Credits: Twitter)

The players who have lost their place in the squad are Angelo Perera, Lahiru Madushanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Minod Bhanuka. Rajapaksa, meanwhile, made the most of his chance in the Pakistan series. The highlight of the series came when he scored a whirlwind 48-ball 77 with the help of four fours and six sixes.

On the other hand,  Hasaranga finished on top of the wicket-takers list in Pakistan. Oshada, who too has retained his spot, also smashed a blistering 78 (off 48 balls) – in his only appearance in the third T20I.

The three-match series will get underway on October 27 in Adelaide. Brisbane and Melbourne will host the next two games on October 30 and November 1.

Sri Lanka squad:

Lasith Malinga (C), Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka, Avishka Fernando, Niroshan Dickwella, Dasun Shanaka, Shehan Jayasuriya, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Oshada Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lakshan Sandakan, Nuwan Pradeep, Lahiru Kumara, Isuru Udana, Kasun Rajitha

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