Sri Lanka Cricket today announced a 20-member squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Australia.
The squad includes nine new names from the side that was part of the 2021 T20 World Cup.
The squad also includes Danushka Gunathilaka and Kusal Mendis, who had their one-year ban revoked earlier this month since June last year.
There was, however, no place for Niroshan Dickwella.
Legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay, who last played a T20I in March 2019, has been recalled to the squad, after being brought back into the one-day setup during the recently-concluded series against Zimbabwe, that Sri Lanka won 2-1.
Meanwhile, all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranaga, who missed the Zimbabwe series due to injury, has returned to the side.
The uncapped pace duo of Janith Liyanage and Kamil Mishara, who missed out during the Zimbabwe series due to COVID-19 infections, also earned call-ups.
The other new faces are Nuwan Thusara and Shiran Fernando, while the latter’s selection is subject to ministerial approval.
There was no room for Bhanuka Rajapaksa, who recently reversed his decision to resign from the national set-up, while former skipper Angelo Mathews also missed out.
All-rounder Dhanajaya de Silva, wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Perera and spinner Akila Dananjaya have also been left out.
The squad, led by Dasun Shanaka and vice captained by Charith Asalanka, will play a five-match series against Australia starting on the 11th of February.
The first two matches will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground, and the third at the Manuka Oval and the last two at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
