Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka return for Australia T20Is

Sri Lanka have announced a 20-member squad for their five-match T20 International (T20I) series against Australia. Kusal Mendis and Danushka Gunathilaka have returned to the squad after their one-year ban, which was cut short earlier this month. 

However, Niroshan Dickwella did not find a place in the squad. Dhananjaya de Silva, who had taken a paternity leave was not named as were Kusal Perera and Akila Dananjaya. 

Leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay, who last played a T20I in 2019 has been recalled, following his inclusion in the recent ODI series against Zimbabwe. All-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga who missed that series has returned. 

Charith Asalanka's rise has seen him being named vice-captain for the tour in with Dasun Shanaka leading the side.

Rumesh Ratnayake has been named the interim head coach for the tour. SLC also announced Dilruwan Perera has decided to retire from international cricket, but remains available to play domestic matches.

The five-match series is set to get underway from February 11 at the SCG, where the first two games will be played. The action then shifts to Canberra for the third game, before reaching its conclusion at the MCG.

Sri Lanka squad for T20Is vs Australia: Dasun Shanaka (c), Charith Asalanka (vc), Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Chamika Karunaratne, Janith Liyanage, Kamil Mishara, Ramesh Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Nuwan Thushara, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Praveen Jayawickrama, Shiran Fernando (subject to ministerial approval)