Sri Lanka vs England: Kusal Perera and Akila Dananajaya ruled out of the one-off T20I

After bowing out against the visitors in the five-match ODI series, Sri Lanka is all set to battle it against England in the one-off T20I at RPS Colombo. The No.1 ranked ODI side proved too good for the struggling hosts until Sri Lanka clinched a victory in the rain-curtailed final ODI at Colombo. They did come back strongly ultimately but it was too late after already having lost the series.

However, the victory could prove to be the perfect boost for the home team ahead of the only T20I closely followed by a three-match home Test series. It could well end the poor run of pay for the Sri Lankans as they gear up for a fascinating Test series that is lined up to begin from the first week of November.

Injury woes hurt SL

Ahead of the only T20I, the hosts have been served with a major blow as their star batsman Kusal Perera has been ruled out of the squad pertaining to his injury suffered during the ODI series. Also, to add to their woes, Akila Dananjaya who did it for them with the ball in the 5th ODI at Colombo will also miss the game due to his leg injury, encountered during the fifth ODI.

As replacements for the duo, Sri Lanka roped in like-to-like substitution. Sadeera Samarawickrema, the opening batsman will join the team in place of Kusal Perera while, Akila makes way for Amila Aponso, the left-arm spinner in the team according to the official website of SLC. Though it is a huge loss incurred, both the youngsters will look to make a mark if they are given a go in the playing XI on Saturday.

Sri Lanka will also look to put aside the disappointment of the ODI series and make a fresh beginning with the only T20I. They possess some of the best players for this version of the game, who can surely add a great deal of variety in their armoury.

Here’s the updated squad: Kusal Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella(w), Dinesh Chandimal, Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Thisara Perera(c), Isuru Udana, Lasith Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Lakshan Sandakan, Nuwan Pradeep, Kamindu Mendis, Kasun Rajitha, Sadeera Samarawickrema, Amila Aponso.

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