Archer returns ahead of schedule as England and SL prepare for the T20 World Cup with this 3-match T20 series.
As pleasing as it was for Harry Brook and Brendon McCullum to win a rare ODI series away from home – England’s first in almost three years – the true purpose of their return to the coal-face so soon after the Ashes was to help them tune up in the shortest format, with a T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka just around the corner.
As demonstrated by their 304 for 2 victory over South Africa in September of last year—the highest score in matches involving Full Member countries—England is a more certain beast in Twenty20 cricket. However, as England will play their three Super 8s matches in Sri Lanka, this series will serve as crucial preparation for the World Cup.
After Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett were tested earlier in the summer, the Old Trafford match essentially sealed the deal for Jos Buttler to rejoin Phil Salt at the top of the order, and the majority of the lineup fills in from there. Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson have been designated as the seasoned front-line spin duo, with the option to call on Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks. Sam Curran contributes to the team’s balance, and Jofra Archer—who was left out of the original squad—is a surprise addition, fit to spearhead the seam attack after a side strain interrupted his Ashes.
Sri Lanka, however, need to brush up on their T20 skills as they prepare to host a global men’s ICC competition for the first time since 2012.
Sri Lanka was no longer a group of unrestrained mavericks at the forefront of the format. To pick out just one measure of their prudence, since the start of 2025, Sri Lanka batters have scored at a pace of 8.09 per over in T20Is – quicker only than Afghanistan and Bangladesh, among Full Members. Results have been uneven, with one series win – against Zimbabwe – in that period.
Dasun Shanaka, an experienced captain who held the position from 2021 to 2023, is their new captain. Although Asalanka is still in the squad, he officially replaced Charith Asalanka last month. Since then, he has been under pressure to defend the choices made by the selectors, including the apparent retention of Kusal Perera at the expense of Kamindu Mendis, despite the latter being “a very valuable player” according to his captain.
With Vikram Rathour and Lasith Malinga among the seasoned leaders Shanaka can rely on, the backroom has at least been reinforced. Pathum Nissanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Matheesha Pathirana are just a few of the deadly talents that conjure the rebellious spirit of Sri Lanka’s golden age.