Kusal Mendis, Binura Fernando Ruled Out of Sri Lanka’s T20I Series Against England

Sri Lanka have suffered a setback ahead of their upcoming T20I series against England, with captain Kusal Mendis and fast bowler Binura Fernando ruled out of the three-match series due to injuries.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed that both players are still undergoing rehabilitation following injuries sustained during the 2026 Lanka Premier League. The announcement came just over a day after Mendis and Fernando were included in Sri Lanka’s 16-member squad for the England tour.

Mendis, who was retained as captain of both the T20I and ODI teams, has been sidelined since July 19 with a right hamstring injury. Fernando, meanwhile, has been out of action since August 5 with a back injury.

With Mendis unavailable for the T20Is, vice-captain Charith Asalanka will take charge of the side. Mendis has not yet been ruled out of the subsequent ODI series, although Asalanka could also lead the ODI team if the regular captain fails to recover in time.

Top-order batter Pavan Rathnayake has been called up to replace Mendis in the T20I squad, while left-arm fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka comes into the touring party in place of Fernando.

The return of Asalanka to the leadership group marks another change in Sri Lanka's recent captaincy setup. He was removed as ODI captain three months ago and had also been left out of the T20I leadership group six months earlier.

Asalanka last represented Sri Lanka in a T20I in February this year. He is currently playing for St Lucia Kings in the 2026 Caribbean Premier League. However, his recent form has been modest, with the batter scoring 93 runs from six innings at a strike rate of 124.

Sri Lanka will face England in three T20Is, with the first match scheduled for September 15 in Southampton. The second T20I will be played in Cardiff on September 17, followed by the third match in Manchester on September 19.

The three-match ODI series will then begin on September 22 in Chester-le-Street, followed by matches in Leeds on September 24 and at The Oval on September 27.

Sri Lanka T20I Squad for England Tour

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