Sri Lanka have made a notable change to their ODI squad ahead of the upcoming tri-series in Pakistan, with former captain Charith Asalanka left out of the 16-member group. The tri-series will also feature England, with Sri Lanka looking to build momentum after losing their recent ODI series 2-1 against the English side. Asalanka’s exclusion comes after an underwhelming run of scores in England and follows his omission from the T20I squad for the preceding series against Pakistan.

Chrith Asalanka dropped after struggles in England

Asalanka, who has accumulated an average of 40.55 from 88 ODIs, has not been included in Sri Lanka’s plans for the upcoming tri-series. The batter managed scores of just 1, 11 and 7 during the ODI leg of Sri Lanka’s tour of England. His absence is particularly notable given his leadership responsibilities on the England tour. Asalanka served as Sri Lanka’s vice-captain during the ODI assignment and subsequently took charge of the T20I side when regular skipper Kusal Mendis was unavailable because of a hamstring injury.

However, his recent lack of runs has now resulted in him missing out on both the T20I and ODI squads for the Pakistan leg of Sri Lanka’s schedule. The tri-series selection represents a significant opportunity for other batters to establish themselves, with Kusal Mendis set to lead the ODI team.

Avishka Fernando returns to ODI squad

Avishka Fernando has been brought back into the squad after producing an impressive run of form in domestic cricket. The batter scored 447 runs across seven innings in the Major Clubs Limited Over Tournament at an average of 63.85. His recall comes at an important time for Sri Lanka, who will need greater consistency from their batting unit against two strong international sides.

All-rounder Sahan Arachchige has also earned a place in the squad. The pair replace Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga, with the latter unavailable after suffering a hamstring injury during the England tour. Apart from those changes, Sri Lanka have retained the core of the squad that featured in the 2-1 ODI series defeat against England.

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Sri Lanka will also be monitoring the fitness of Pathum Nissanka and Dushmantha Chameera before the competition begins. Nissanka has already been ruled out of the T20I series against Pakistan and will travel with the team for the tri-series only if he is declared medically fit. Chameera’s availability is similarly dependent on receiving fitness clearance, making his participation another issue for Sri Lanka to resolve before the ODI tournament gets underway.

The tri-series will begin on October 18, with Sri Lanka facing Pakistan in Rawalpindi. Each team will play one round of matches in Rawalpindi before the tournament moves to Lahore for the second round. The final is scheduled to take place on October 31.

Sri Lanka squad for ODI tri-series: Kusal Mendis (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kamil Mishara, Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Sachindu Colombage, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga

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