Angelo Mathews has made a return to the shorter format after 18 months as he was named in the 16-man squad for the three-match T20I series against India that starts on January 5.
Veteran fast bowler Lasith Malinga will lead the team that includes three spinners and four pacers. Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, left-armed leg-spinner Lakshan Sandakan and off-spinner Dhananjaya de Silva provide variety in the slow-bowling department.
Nuwan Pradeep, who picked up an ankle-injury this week, is the notable absentee in the squad. Isuru Udana and Lahiru Kumara are the other pace bowlers in the squad.
Sri Lanka’s second string side led by Dasun Shanaka won all three T20Is against Pakistan away from home in October. However, that spirited series win was followed by a whitewash at the hands of Australia in the following month.
The three T20Is against India are scheduled to be played in Guwahati (January 5), Indore (January 7) and Pune (January 10).
This will Sri Lanka’s only T20I series this year before the ICC T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, India will play a five-match T20I series against New Zealand in February.
Sri Lanka T20I squad for India tour: Lasith Malinga (c), Kusal Perera, Danushka Gunathilaka, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Oshada Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Angelo Mathews, Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lakshan Sandakan, Dhananjaya de Silva, Lahiru Kumara, Isuru Udana.
