Kusal Mendis ruled out of England T20 series; Asalanka to captain
Kusal Mendis out of England T20I series with hamstring injury; Charith Asalanka takes over as captain.
Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis has been ruled out of the three-match T20I series in England with a right hamstring injury. Charith Asalanka will lead the side in his absence.
Pavan Rathnayake and Dilshan Madushanka have been added to the squad as replacements. Rathnayake provides middle-order batting cover while Madushanka strengthens the pace attack.
The series begins next week. Sri Lanka have not named a replacement captain for the ODI leg of the tour.
CricHubb Take
Mendis's withdrawal leaves Sri Lanka without their first-choice captain and wicketkeeper-batter at a time when the side is trying to stabilise its T20I leadership. Asalanka now carries both roles into a short series against a full-strength England side.