SL vs AUS 2022 | Matheesha Pathirana gets maiden callup, as Sri Lanka announce squad

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have announced a strong 18-member squad for the upcoming T20I series against Australia. The Selection Committee has selected a team led by Dasun Shanaka and will have a mixture of youth and experience against the T20 World Champions Australia. 

Termed 'Baby Malinga', Matheesha Pathirana received his maiden call-up after an impressive outing in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL).

Bhanuka Rajapaksa makes a comeback for the T20I side after scoring 206 runs in nine games for the Punjab Kings (PKBS) franchise in IPL 15. His fitness has always been a concern for the selectors.

Wanindu Hasaranga, who missed Sri Lanka's last T20I series due to Covid, found a place in the squad after finishing second-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2022. Hasaranga last played for Sri Lanka on their Australian tour in February.

Like Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana, who played for CSK, finds his name in the squad alongside Lakshan Sandakan.

Dinesh Chandimal, who toured India for the white-ball leg, has been dropped from the side after a string of poor performances.

All eyes will be on Pathirana, representing Sri Lanka in the Under-19 World Cup in West Indies.

The three-T20Is will be spread across two cities; Colombo will host the first and second matches on June 7 and 8, while the third and final game will take place in Pallekele on June 11.

Touring Australia suffered a minor setback ahead of their arrival in the Emerald Nation. Their head coach Andrew McDonald tested positive for Covid and will not be part of the tour party. 

Assistant coach Michael Di Venuto will take over his role in the first T20I, as McDonald is expected to meet up with the squad during the second T20 (subject to clearance).

The T20I will be followed by a five-match ODI and 2-Test series.

Squad :

Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Nuwanidu Fernando, Lahiru Madushanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Ramesh Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Praveen Jayawickrama, Lakshan Sandakan.