England and Sri Lanka to begin T20I series in Southampton

England and Sri Lanka will begin a three-match T20I series on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, with the first match at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton. The series opener marks the start of a short-format tour that will also include matches in Cardiff on September 17 and Manchester on September 19. Both teams enter the series with significant injury absences. Sri Lanka will be without captain Kusal Mendis, who is recovering from a hamstring injury. Charith Asalanka will lead the side in his place. England will also be missing key players, including Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell, and Sam Curran, due to various injuries. Harry Brook has been named as England's captain for the series. England holds a strong recent record against Sri Lanka in the T20I format. The hosts have won their last five encounters, including a 3-0 series sweep in Sri Lanka earlier in 2026. Their most recent T20I assignment was a 40-run victory over India in July, a result that saw them rise to the top of the ICC rankings. Sri Lanka comes into the series with less favorable form.