Wanindu Hasaranga returns as Sri Lanka announce squad for T20I series against Australia
Wanindu Hasaranga, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Nuwanidu Fernando, and Matheesha Pathirana make it in as Sri Lanka announce squad for T20I series against Australia.
Hasaranga was selected for the India tour earlier this year but was unable to participate owing to illness, while Rajapaksa was ruled out due to fitness concerns. Sri Lanka’s spin attack is anchored by Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, both of whom had successful experiences in the IPL. Hasaranga had an outstanding season, taking 26 wickets at an economy rate of 7.54. He was just one wicket away from winning the purple cap.
Nuwanidu and Pathirana have been drafted into the team after impressing on the international stage. Pathirana’s slingy bowling action is comparable to that of Sri Lanka icon Lasith Malinga, who was brilliant at the U-19 World Cup. The right-arm fast made two appearances for the CSK and was praised by none other than MS Dhoni.
Allrounder Dhananajaya de Silva, quick bowler Lahiru Kumara, and wicketkeeper batter Dinesh Chandimal and Niroshand Dickwella, however, are not included. The gloves are most likely to go to Kusal Mendis.
Seamer Kasun Rajitha and left-arm wristspinner Lakshan Sandakan have also returned to the T20 squad. Legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay has been relegated to the standby players list, just like Dickwella. Due to injuries, Avishka Fernando and Kusal Perera are unavailable. For months, neither of them has played a competitive match.
On June 7, the three-match series kicks off at Khettarama (Colombo).
Sri Lanka announce squad for T20I series against Australia : Squad Members
Squad: Dasun Shanaka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Nuwanidu Fernando, Lahiru Madushanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Ramesh Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Praveen Jayawickrama, Lakshan Sandakan.