Sri Lanka’s talisman fast bowler Lasith Malinga has returned to the T20I side for the upcoming tour of Australia. Along with Malinga, wicket-keeper batsman Niroshan Dickwell and Kusal Perera have also made the cut back into the side. Meanwhile, as many as 10 players had backed out from the tour of Pakistan due to security issues. Kusal Mendis also gets back into the side.
These four will replace Angelo Perera, Lahiru Madushanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Minod Bhanuka who were part of the series against Pakistan. Sri Lanka’s second-string side had bamboozled the number T20I side, Pakistan and that too in latter’s home ground.
Sri Lanka has got a young squad.
Meanwhile, Bhanuka Rajapaksa who scored a blistering knock of 77 runs off just 48 balls with the help of four fours and six sixes in the second T20I against Pakistan is able to hold on to his place.
The right-hander also finished as the highest run-getter of the series with 113 runs. Furthermore, Wanindu Hasaranga who snared eight wickets in the three matches against Pakistan to finished as the leading wicket-taker also secures his place.
Similarly, Oshada Fernando also keeps his place in the side. The right-hander had bludgeoned 78 runs from 48 balls in the final T20I against Pakistan.
Meanwhile, the T20I series will begin with the first match to take place in Adelaide on 27th October. The second T20I match will be hosted by Gabba in Brisbane on 30th October. The final and third T20I is scheduled to be held in MCG, Melbourne on 1st November.
Sri Lanka had whitewashed Australia 3-0 the last time they had played a T20I series Down Under.