Sri Lanka names Mendis captain for Pakistan T20I series

Sri Lanka Cricket has announced a 15-player squad led by Kusal Mendis for a three-match Twenty20 International series against Pakistan, scheduled for October 9, 11 and 13 in Rawalpindi. The matches are part of a wider Pakistan tour that also includes an ODI tri-series with England and two Tests, according to the reports, though the immediate announcement concerns the T20I squad and schedule. Mendis returns to the captaincy after missing Sri Lanka’s recent T20I series in England because of injury, with Charith Asalanka having led the side in his absence. The squad includes Kamil Mishara, Sineth Jayawardena, Lahiru Udara, Sahan Arachchige, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka and Chamindu Wickramasinghe. The bowling options named are Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara and Eshan Malinga. Chameera has been included, but his participation in the series is subject to fitness. The reports do not establish whether he will be available to play. Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga are absent; reports attribute their omissions to injuries.