Cricket International

England Men’s Team Arrive in Sri Lanka Ahead of ODI and T20I Series

England Men’s Team Arrive in Sri Lanka Ahead of ODI and T20I Series
  • PublishedJanuary 19, 2026

The England men’s cricket team have touched down in Sri Lanka on January 19, 2026, ahead of a crucial six-match white-ball series — three One Day Internationals (ODIs) followed by three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) — as part of their final preparations before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Series Overview and Importance

This tour forms a key part of England’s build-up to the global T20 showpiece later in February and March, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. England will face Sri Lanka in conditions that offer spin-friendly pitches and humid weather — a perfect test ahead of the high-stakes global event.

Match Schedule and Venues

ODI Series (Three Matches)

  • 1st ODI: 22 January 2026 — R. Premadasa International Stadium, Colombo
  • 2nd ODI: 24 January 2026 — R. Premadasa International Stadium, Colombo
  • 3rd ODI: 27 January 2026 — R. Premadasa International Stadium, Colombo
    Kicks off in the Sri Lankan capital, giving both teams a chance to adjust to Asian pitches before the shorter format.

T20I Series (Three Matches)

  • 1st T20I: 30 January 2026 — Pallekele International Stadium, Kandy
  • 2nd T20I: 1 February 2026 — Pallekele International Stadium, Kandy
  • 3rd T20I: 3 February 2026 — Pallekele International Stadium, Kandy
    The hill station city of Kandy will host the quickfire T20 battles under lights as both sides sharpen their white-ball strategies.

England Squad for the Tour

The England Men’s squad for the Sri Lanka white-ball tour features a blend of experienced campaigners and dynamic all-rounders, led by Harry Brook. This group will be crucial for fine-tuning roles ahead of the T20 World Cup:

England ODI Squad vs Sri Lanka

  • Harry Brook (captain)
  • Rehan Ahmed
  • Tom Banton
  • Jacob Bethell
  • Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper)
  • Brydon Carse
  • Zak Crawley
  • Sam Curran
  • Liam Dawson
  • Ben Duckett
  • Will Jacks
  • Jamie Overton
  • Adil Rashid
  • Joe Root
  • Luke Wood

England T20I Squad vs Sri Lanka
(This list includes T20 specialists in addition to most players from the ODI squad)

  • Harry Brook (captain)
  • Rehan Ahmed
  • Tom Banton
  • Jacob Bethell
  • Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper)
  • Brydon Carse
  • Sam Curran
  • Liam Dawson
  • Ben Duckett
  • Will Jacks
  • Jamie Overton
  • Adil Rashid
  • Phil Salt
  • Josh Tongue
  • Luke Wood
    Note: Some players may only appear in either the ODI or T20I squad, depending on team strategy and fitness.