Sri Lanka have brought back Jeffrey Vandersay into the ODI squad for their upcoming series against Australia, starting on February 12. However, the Lankan Lions have decided to drop bowling all-rounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe from the side for the two-match series. Vandersay last played an ODI match in November 2024 and wasn’t a part of the squad that toured New Zealand.
The spinner showed good form during the first Test against Australia in Galle, where he scored a vital fifty and picked up 3 wickets. The 35-year-old has enjoyed a great time in home conditions, as he picked 8 wickets against India last year during the 3-match ODI series, which also included a 6-wicket haul. Apart from Vandersay, Sri Lanka have also roped in young spinner Nuwanidu Fernando as the likes of Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage are part of a spin-heavy side.
Charith Asalanka will continue to lead the team which will have a strong batting lineup that includes Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis and Avishka Fernando.
The series follows Sri Lanka’s 0-2 loss to Australia in the Test series. The Aussies come into the ODIs with many of their main names being ruled out of the 2-match series and the Champions Trophy. Captain Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh are all out of the upcoming matches with injuries. All-rounder Marcus Stoinis also announced his retirement from the ODI format as well. Multiple additions are expected to be made to the squad.
The series between Sri Lanka and Australia will be played on February 12 and 14 and the matches will take place in Colombo.
Sri Lanka squad for Australia ODIs:
Charith Asalanka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nishan Madushka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Mohamed Shiraz, Eshan Malinga
