SL vs AUS | Lions announce 21-man squad for ODI series against Australia

The Sri Lankan Cricket Selection Committee has announced a 21-man squad for the upcoming five-match ODI series against Australia. It was a pretty straightforward selection, considering there were not many surprises.

Left-handed batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa earned a recall to the side after a fruitful IPL season with Punjab Kings. The hosts will feature in an ODI for the first time in five months. The last time they played an ODI series was against Zimbabwe; they claimed the series 2-1.

All-rounder, Dasun Shanaka will lead the side again, with Dinesh Chandimal and Dhananjaya de Silva among the other experienced campaigners. 

The selections in the batting department are packed with youth and talent, with the likes of Charith Asalanka and Pathum Nissanka also included in the mix. Dushmantha Chameera and Chamika Karunaratne will spearhead the fast-bowling attack.

Wanindu Hasaranga, who is coming on the back of a successful IPL campaign, forms the backbone of the Sri Lankan squad. Ramesh Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana and Praveen Jayawickrama are other notable spinning options for the hosts.

Sri Lanka Squad: Dasun Shanaka (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dinesh Chandimal, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Niroshan Dickwella, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Ramesh Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Praveen Jayawickrama, Jeffrey Vandersay, Lahiru Madushanka, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan.

The five-match ODI series kicks off in Pallekele on June 14, just a couple of days after the conclusion of the T20I series. The white-ball leg of the tour concludes with the final ODI to be played in Colombo on June 24. The Asian side will look to kick start their preparations for the 2023 ODI World Cup in a positive manner against a daunting Australian side.