The former Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka has been omitted from his country’s squad of players for its upcoming ODI tri-series scheduled in Pakistan against England. His omission comes in wake of weak performance during the previous ODI series held in England in which he scored only 1, 11 and 7 in the three matches played. Asalanka has an ODI batting average of 40.55 in 88 matches played so far. Sri Lankan team has also included Avishka Fernando and Sahna Arachchige in the team. Despite dropping Asalanka due to his poor showings during the ODIs, Sri Lanka still retains its original squad that played the 2-1 ODI series in England featuring the likes of Wanindu Hasaranga who was injured during the tour.
Sri Lanka Drop Charith Asalanka for Pakistan ODI Tri-Series
Asalanka’s exclusion means that he was also dropped from the T20I squad playing in the T20I series against Pakistan consisting of three matches. He had been the vice-captain of the team during the tour to England where he took over captaincy in the presence of captain Kusal Mendis who was struggling with a hamstring injury. Fernando was selected to play for the ODI tri-series due to his stellar performances in domestic competitions.
Sri Lanka is also hoping to include Pathum Nissanka and Dushmantha Chameera, but both of them have fitness issues. Nissanka will miss the T20 series and will only join the team for the ODI tri-series after being cleared by the doctor. The fitness of Chameera will also determine his participation in the series.
The tri-series itself begins on October 18 in Rawalpindi with Pakistan facing Sri Lanka. The teams will play each other once in Rawalpindi and then move to Lahore for further matches. The final will be played on October 31.
Sri Lanka squad: Kusal Mendis (c), Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Sachindu Colombage, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga