Kusal Mendis and Binura Fernando Ruled Out of England Tour, Asalanka to Captain

Sri Lanka have suffered a double injury blow ahead of their three-match T20I series in England, with captain Kusal Mendis and pacer Binura Fernando both ruled out, forcing Charith Asalanka into the captaincy.

Both players picked up their injuries during the Lanka Premier League 2026: Mendis is still undergoing rehabilitation for a right hamstring problem, while Fernando is recovering from a back injury. Neither is expected to be fit in time for the tour, which begins September 15. Sri Lanka Cricket has responded by naming Pavan Rathnayake as Mendis' replacement and Dilshan Madushanka in for Fernando.

With Mendis unavailable, Asalanka, who had been serving as vice-captain for the tour, steps up to lead the side across all three T20Is, scheduled for Southampton, Cardiff and Manchester. Mendis remains in contention to return for the subsequent ODI leg of the tour, which runs from September 22 to 27. Dasun Shanaka, who led Sri Lanka at this year's T20 World Cup, has also been recalled to the ODI squad for the first time since January 2024.