Double Whammy For Sri Lanka As Kusal Mendis, Binura Fernando To Miss England Series, SLC Announces Replacement

Sri Lanka will be without their white-ball captain Kusal Mendis for the upcoming T20I series against England. Left-arm pacer Binura Fernando will also miss the three-match series.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has confirmed that both players are still recovering from injuries they picked up during the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026.

England vs Sri Lanka series

Sri Lanka’s England tour will begin with the T20I series on September 15 in Southampton. The second match will be played in Cardiff on September 17, while the third T20I will take place in Manchester on September 19.

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The two teams will then meet in a three-match ODI series. The first ODI is scheduled for September 22 in Chester-le-Street, followed by matches in Leeds on September 24 and The Oval on September 27.

Why Kusal Mendis and Binura Fernando miss T20I series vs England

Mendis is currently recovering from a right hamstring injury, while Fernando is undergoing rehabilitation for a back injury. As a result, both players have been left out of Sri Lanka’s T20I squad for the England tour.

Mendis was initially named captain for both the T20I and ODI teams, while Fernando was included in the T20I squad.

Pavan Rathnayake and Dilshan Madushanka have now been brought into the squad as their replacements.

Mendis will still be available for the ODI series, but Charith Asalanka will lead Sri Lanka in the T20Is against England.

Sri Lanka's Updated T20I Squad

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Lahiru Udara, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Tharindu Rathnayake, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Nuwan Thushara, Dilshan Madushanka.