Tuesday Feb 17, 2026
Tuesday Feb 17, 2026
Friday, 30 January 2026 00:20 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
by Sa’adi Thawfeeq
Sri Lanka is handling fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera with kid gloves. So important is he to their T20 World Cup plans, that he is being rested from the first two matches of the three-match T20 International series against England, commencing at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium today.
Chameera has been named in Sri Lanka’s squad of 16 for the series along with Pramod Madushan, who is likely to play in the first two matches. Chameera is expected to be back for the third and final T20I on 3 February. Madushan, unfortunately, is not in Sri Lanka’s World Cup squad of 15, with Sri Lanka going with Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, and Eshan Malinga. He played in the recently concluded three-match ODI series against England, but has not played in a T20I match since April 2023.
Chameera, who has a long track record of injuries, has recovered from a hamstring niggle and the team management and selectors don’t want to risk playing him early in the lead-up matches to the T20 World Cup. He was also rested from the three ODIs against England, which Sri Lanka lost 2-1.
“In terms of importance, we know Dushmantha Chameera will play. That said, with the World Cup closeby, his workload has to be managed. He’s not someone we need to play and see what he’s doing right or wrong. But we need a backup for him, and that’s why Pramod has come into the squad,” said Sri Lanka Captain Dasun Shanaka at the pre-match press conference.
The series starting today against England, one of the current top-ranked T20I sides, will test Sri Lanka’s resilience ahead of the World Cup. Sri Lanka are still not a settled side and have not shown the consistency that is needed to make them a force in this format.
With the first three batting slots taken by Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, and Kusal Mendis, it will be an interesting battle for the number 4 spot between Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Perera. de Silva holds the edge over Perera with his ability to bowl his quota of four overs with spin.
“Kusal has been in the T20 side over the recent past, even though he was left out of the squad to face Pakistan. We know that experienced players are very valuable in a World Cup. If you take the strike rates, Kusal can be used anywhere in the top six. He will be a very valuable player during the World Cup,” said Shanaka.
“Dhananjaya played in the most recent T20Is. He bowled well, batted, scored 20 runs I think (22), and in the field he was very good. I think it’s difficult to simply just remove a player. If they do things well, then we should give them another opportunity. That is a decision the selectors have taken. Pavan Rathnayake has been brought in as a backup. We will use these players as and when needed,” he added.
Despite Sri Lanka’s recent struggles in T20I cricket, former England Captain Nasser Hussain believes the upcoming World Cup could mark a turning point for them.
“Very honestly happy to hear such comments, especially from someone like Nasser Hussain. It is a big boost,” said Shanaka. “We know that our team has a good chance. But more important than that is the process, and focusing on the first few games – it is very important to gain that momentum. Similarly, with this England series. I am looking forward to all the players performing to the best of their abilities.”
England comes into this series with wins against New Zealand, Ireland, West Indies, and a draw against South Africa.
Phil Salt, one of England’s top order batsmen, said: “We know there’s a World Cup coming up, but in my opinion, the most important game right at the moment is what is coming up tomorrow. A series win is what is in our mind. The boys have done really well in ODI cricket recording a come from behind win. Any series that wins away from home is very special and, hopefully, we will do it this time.”
Salt is not new to Sri Lankan conditions, having played for Dambulla Giants in the Lanka Premier League (LPL).
“I enjoyed my time at the LPL. At that point, I did not play for England. Franchise cricket has been such a big part in giving opportunities and strengthening my game. It is good to be back in Sri Lanka. I haven’t had a look at the pitch yet. It is very different from what you get in Colombo to what you get in Kandy. Whatever we do we need to adapt,” he said.
