Mathews, Mendis dropped for England ODIs

Angelo Mathews and Kusal Mendis are the major casualties ahead of the home series against England next month, as Sri Lanka made five changes to the squad that took part in the Asia Cup. Others making way are Suranga Lakmal, Shehan Jayasuriya, and Dilruwan Perera.

The shake-up means a recall for Sadeera Samarawickrama, who last played for Sri Lanka in India last December, while Nuwan Pradeep also returns from a long injury layoff. Niroshan Dickwella, who was omitted from the original squad for the Asia Cup, also makes it on merit, while Lakshan Sandakan gives the team a further spin option. While Mendis and Lakmal are on the standby list, the other three are completely out of the squad. Mendis’ axe comes as little surprise with the 23 year-old going through a dismal run of form as of late, notching just three scores above 30 in his last 20 innings. However, Mathews being dropped was rather unexpected, with the 31-year-old accounting for 888 runs across 22 innings since the start of 2017 at an average of 59.20. The selectors, however, felt that these numbers did not adequately mitigate concerns surrounding the player’s fitness. Sri Lanka will play five ODIs against England, with the first game being a day/night affair in Dambulla on 10 October. 

Full squad: Dinesh Chandimal (Capt.), Upul Tharanga, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Niroshan Dickwella, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Thisara Perera, Akila Dananjaya, Dushmantha Chameera, Lasith Malinga, Amila Aponso, Lakshan Sandakan, Nuwan Pradeep, Kasun Rajitha Stand-by: Shehan Madushanka, Kusal Mendis, Dimuth Karunaratne, Suranga Lakmal, Jeffrey Vandersay. (MB)