ENG vs SL: Kusal Mendis, Binura Fernando ruled out of T20I series in England
Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Mendis and Patum Nissanka (Source: Getty Images)
Published - 04 Sep 2026, 01:58 PM• Read time - 2 mins
Sri Lanka have suffered massive blows ahead of their upcoming T20I series against England as captain Kusal Mendis and fast bowler Binura Fernando have been ruled out. The duo is still recovering from injuries picked up at the Lanka Premier League 2026 (LPL 2026), according to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).
The two were named in the 16-member squad, with Kusal retained as captain of both the T20I and the ODI sides. In his absence, Charith Asalanka, who was reinstated as vice-captain for the upcoming tour, will fill in Kusal Mendis’shoes.
Kusal has been out of action since July 19 due to a right hamstring injury, while Binura is down with a back injury and hasn't played since August 5.
SLC have brought in Pavan Rathnayake, the 24-year-old top-order batter, in place of Kusal, while fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka, who was in the squad for the Tests against India recently but didn't get to play, has replaced Binura in the squad.
T20I series begins on September 15
The three-match T20I series will begin with the first T20I scheduled to be played on September 15 (Southampton), while the last two matches will be played on September 17 (Cardiff) and September 19 (Manchester). The ODIs will begin on September 22 (Chester-le-Street), with the remaining two matches to be played on September 24 (Leeds) and September 27 (The Oval).
Sri Lanka T20I squad for the tour of England: