Sri Lanka have suffered a double injury blow ahead of their T20I series against England, with Kusal Mendis and Binura Fernando ruled out as they continue rehabilitation, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced.
Both players sustained injuries during the Lanka Premier League 2026 and have not recovered in time for the upcoming T20I series in England.
Mendis is undergoing rehabilitation for a right hamstring injury, while left-arm fast bowler Fernando is recovering from a back injury.
The Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Panel has named Pavan Rathnayake as Mendis’ replacement in the T20I squad, while fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka has been called up to replace Fernando.
Charith Asalanka will captain Sri Lanka during the T20I series in the absence of Mendis.
Sri Lanka are scheduled to play three T20Is against England as part of their 2026 tour. (Newswire)
