Sri Lanka name 16-man squad for England T20Is in final T20 World Cup rehearsal

The series gets under way on January 30 at the Pallekele Cricket Stadium, with all matches taking place at the same venue.

With the T20 World Cup starting in early February, the series carries significant importance for Sri Lanka, who are looking to reset and build momentum after a recent 2-1 ODI series defeat to England.

While that loss highlighted England's greater consistency, Sri Lanka took encouragement from several individual batting performances and competitive bowling spells, elements they will aim to translate into the shorter format.

Selectors have opted for continuity over experimentation, largely retaining the core group from the recent series against Pakistan.

Dasun Shanaka continues as captain, backed for his calm leadership and valuable all-round contributions, as Sri Lanka prioritise stability in conditions expected to mirror those at the World Cup.

The batting unit features a settled top order in Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis and Kusal Janith Perera, with Dhananjaya de Silva and Charith Asalanka anchoring the middle order.

Emerging batters Janith Liyanage and Pavan Rathnayake provide additional depth and flexibility.

Spin is expected to play a central role at Pallekele, with Wanindu Hasaranga leading the attack, supported by Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage.

The pace department is headlined by Dushmantha Chameera, with death-overs specialist Matheesha Pathirana joined by Pramod Madushan and Eshan Malinga.

Sri Lanka will open their T20 World Cup campaign on February 8 against Ireland, with Oman, Australia and Zimbabwe also in their group.

Sri Lanka squad for England T20Is: Dasun Shanaka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga 

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