Dasun Shanaka Returns to Sri Lanka’s ODI Squad for England Tour After Long Absence

Dasun Shanaka is set to make his return to Sri Lanka's ODI setup after a lengthy absence, having been selected for the upcoming three-match series against England. The former captain last appeared in an ODI in January 2024 and now gets another opportunity to establish himself in the 50-over side.

Shanaka Makes ODI Comeback

Shanaka is one of two new additions to Sri Lanka's ODI squad, with uncapped leg-spinner Sachindu Colombage also receiving his first international call-up. His selection adds experience to a middle order that will face a significant test in English conditions.

The all-rounder has played 71 ODIs for Sri Lanka and has led the team in 43 of those matches. He has scored 1,299 runs in the format, including two centuries and four fifties.

Experience Ahead of World Cup Preparation

Shanaka's return comes at an important stage of Sri Lanka's ODI planning, with the next ODI World Cup approaching. His experience in international cricket could provide additional stability to the lower middle order and give the team another seam-bowling option.

However, his ODI batting numbers remain modest, with a career average of 22.39. The England series will therefore be an important opportunity for him to make a stronger impact in the format.

Last ODI Came in January 2024

It has been more than two years since Shanaka last played an ODI for Sri Lanka. His return gives him the chance to re-establish himself in a format where he previously held a regular place in the national setup.

His most recent international performances, however, have come in T20 cricket, where he remained an important part of Sri Lanka's plans.

Strong T20 Form Helps Shanaka

Shanaka enjoyed a productive T20I series against the West Indies in June. He finished as Sri Lanka's leading run-scorer across the three matches, collecting 96 runs.

His standout performance came in the second T20I, where he smashed 58 from only 24 balls. He reached his half-century in 19 deliveries, matching the record for Sri Lanka's fastest T20I fifty.

Another T20 Milestone

Shanaka also crossed an important personal milestone during the West Indies series. He became only the fourth Sri Lankan batter to reach 2,000 runs in men's T20 internationals.

Those performances have strengthened his case for another opportunity at international level, and the ODI recall now gives him a chance to translate that confidence into the longer limited-overs format.

Colombage Receives Maiden Call-Up

Sachindu Colombage is the other new face in Sri Lanka's ODI squad. The leg-spinner has been rewarded with his first international selection and could provide another spin option alongside the experienced Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga.

His inclusion also reflects Sri Lanka's effort to build greater depth in the bowling department ahead of future international competitions.

Kusal Mendis Continues as Captain

Kusal Mendis will lead Sri Lanka in both the ODI and T20I series in England. Charith Asalanka has been appointed vice-captain across the entire white-ball tour.

Asalanka's return is another major selection development. He was left out of Sri Lanka's T20I squad for the West Indies series but earned his recall following an impressive Lanka Premier League campaign.

Asalanka Impresses in the LPL

Asalanka played a major role in Galle Gallants' successful LPL campaign, scoring 385 runs at an average of 38.50 and a strike rate of 153.38. He also registered four half-centuries during the tournament.

His performances have brought him back into the T20I setup and into Sri Lanka's leadership group for the England tour.

Changes From the Caribbean ODI Squad

While Shanaka and Colombage come into the ODI group, fast bowlers Milan Rathnayake and Pramod Madushan have been left out of the squad that secured a rain-affected 1-0 ODI series victory in the Caribbean in June.

The selectors have therefore made a relatively small number of changes while adding experience and a new spin option to the squad.

Sri Lanka's ODI Squad

Sri Lanka's 16-member ODI squad consists of Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Sachindu Colombage, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka.

The combination gives Sri Lanka several all-round options, alongside a mixture of experienced international players and younger cricketers.

White-Ball Tour Begins With T20Is

Sri Lanka's England assignment begins with three T20Is. The opening game will be played in Southampton on September 15, followed by matches in Cardiff on September 17 and Manchester on September 19.

The T20I leg will give the visitors an early opportunity to adapt to English conditions before attention turns to the ODI series.

ODI Series Starts September 22

The three-match ODI series begins on September 22 in Chester-le-Street. The second ODI will take place in Leeds on September 24 before the teams meet for the final match at The Oval on September 27.

The six-match white-ball tour will therefore provide Sri Lanka with an extended period of competitive cricket in England.

Important ODI Preparation

The ODI series carries added importance as Sri Lanka continue building towards the next World Cup cycle. The selectors have retained several established players while also giving an international opportunity to Colombage.

Shanaka's experience could become particularly useful if Sri Lanka require greater depth in the middle and lower order during the series.

Shanaka's All-Round Value

Although his ODI batting record leaves room for improvement, Shanaka's ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives Sri Lanka another tactical option. His experience as a former captain also adds leadership knowledge to a squad now headed by Kusal Mendis.

The England tour will reveal whether his return can become a longer-term part of Sri Lanka's ODI plans.

Sri Lanka Target England Series Success

Sri Lanka will be aiming to build on their recent ODI series victory in the Caribbean. The England assignment will present a much different challenge, particularly with conditions expected to assist seam bowling at various stages.

The visitors will hope their experienced core can guide the younger players while adapting to the demands of playing 50-over cricket away from home.

What Shanaka's Return Means

Shanaka's recall represents more than the return of an experienced player. It gives Sri Lanka another proven international cricketer during an important period of ODI planning.

If he can contribute consistently in England, the all-rounder could strengthen his case for a permanent place in the side as Sri Lanka continue shaping their squad for the next major ODI tournament.