Sri Lanka Hit by Double Injury Blow as Kusal Mendis and Binura Fernando Miss England T20Is

Sri Lanka have suffered a significant setback ahead of their upcoming three-match T20I series against England, with captain Kusal Mendis and left-arm fast bowler Binura Fernando ruled out of the tour due to injuries sustained during the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026.

Mendis, who was recently appointed Sri Lanka’s captain for both the ODI and T20I formats on the England tour, has been unable to recover fully from a right hamstring injury. The batter sustained the injury while playing for Colombo Kaps during the LPL in July, and the setback had already forced him to miss Sri Lanka’s subsequent Test engagements.

His continued absence represents a major blow to Sri Lanka’s plans for the England series. Mendis has become an important component of the national white-ball setup, combining leadership responsibility with his role at the top of the batting order.

Meanwhile, Binura Fernando has also been ruled out after failing to recover from a back injury sustained during the LPL. The left-arm seamer was expected to strengthen Sri Lanka’s pace attack against England, particularly in conditions traditionally favourable to swing and seam bowling.

Following the latest medical assessments, the Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Panel has made two changes to the T20I squad. Pavan Rathnayake has been called up to replace Mendis, while Dilshan Madushanka has been brought into the squad in place of Fernando.

The absence of Mendis also means another leadership opportunity for Charith Asalanka, who will captain Sri Lanka in the three-match T20I series. Asalanka had initially been named vice-captain for the England tour and will now take on the responsibility of leading the side against a strong English outfit.

Sri Lanka are scheduled to begin their T20I campaign at Southampton on September 15, followed by matches in Cardiff on September 17 and Manchester on September 19. The tour will subsequently include three ODIs, beginning in Durham on September 22.

The latest injury setbacks once again highlight the importance of player fitness and workload management as Sri Lanka build towards their long-term white-ball objectives. While Mendis and Fernando are expected to focus on rehabilitation rather than risk aggravating their injuries, their absence gives younger players an opportunity to step forward on the international stage.

For Asalanka, the England series will therefore be more than just another bilateral assignment. It will provide an important test of his leadership credentials, while Sri Lanka will hope their replacements can fill the considerable gaps left by their captain and experienced fast bowler.