Three Lions play ODI and IT20 series in Sri Lanka before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup hosted by Sri Lanka and India in February and March
The upcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka promises to be an exciting adventure for the England Men’s cricket team. Set to feature three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three IT20 matches, this series will serve as a vital run-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February and March.
Notably, Nottinghamshire seamer Josh Tongue has been selected for the IT20 squad for the first time, showcasing England’s commitment to integrating fresh talent into their ranks. This selection indicates a potential shifting of gears for the squad as they gear up for the challenges ahead.
Another significant presence is the fast bowler Jofra Archer from Sussex, included in the provisional T20 World Cup squad. However, he will not participate in the Sri Lanka tour as he focuses on rehabilitation following a left side strain suffered during the recent Ashes Test in Adelaide. His absence will be felt, but the inclusion of Durham seamer Brydon Carse offers a promising alternative.
Returning to the fold is Surrey’s all-rounder Will Jacks, who had missed out on the New Zealand white-ball tour in October. His availability adds depth to the squad, reinforcing the team’s versatility in both batting and bowling departments. Additionally, Kent top-order batter Zak Crawley is back in the ODI squad for the first time since December 2023, aiming to build on his experience of eight caps in the format.
As the preparation for the Sri Lanka tour ramps up, the tour party will depart on January 18, 2026. This scheduling offers the squad time to acclimate and strategise against their formidable hosts.
England Men’s IT20 Squad – Sri Lanka Tour & Provisional ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
Comprising 15 players, the IT20 squad features:
- Harry Brook (Yorkshire) – Captain
- Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire)
- Jofra Archer (Sussex) – ICC Men’s T20 World Cup only
- Tom Banton (Somerset)
- Jacob Bethell (Warwickshire)
- Jos Buttler (Lancashire)
- Brydon Carse (Durham) – Sri Lanka tour only
- Sam Curran (Surrey)
- Liam Dawson (Hampshire)
- Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire)
- Will Jacks (Surrey)
- Jamie Overton (Surrey)
- Adil Rashid (Yorkshire)
- Phil Salt (Lancashire)
- Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire)
- Luke Wood (Lancashire)
England Men’s ODI Squad – Sri Lanka Tour
The ODI squad, also consisting of 15 players, includes:
- Harry Brook (Yorkshire) – Captain
- Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire)
- Tom Banton (Somerset)
- Jacob Bethell (Warwickshire)
- Jos Buttler (Lancashire)
- Brydon Carse (Durham)
- Zak Crawley (Kent)
- Sam Curran (Surrey)
- Liam Dawson (Hampshire)
- Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire)
- Will Jacks (Surrey)
- Jamie Overton (Surrey)
- Adil Rashid (Yorkshire)
- Joe Root (Yorkshire)
- Luke Wood (Lancashire)
England Men’s White-Ball Tour of Sri Lanka Schedule
ODIs
The ODI fixtures are as follows:
- 1st ODI: Sri Lanka v England – Thursday, January 22, 2026, R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
- 2nd ODI: Sri Lanka v England – Saturday, January 24, 2026, R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
- 3rd ODI: Sri Lanka v England – Tuesday, January 27, 2026, R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
IT20s
The IT20 series is scheduled as follows:
- 1st IT20: Sri Lanka v England – Friday, January 30, 2026, Pallekele International Stadium, Kandy
- 2nd IT20: Sri Lanka v England – Sunday, February 1, 2026, Pallekele International Stadium, Kandy
- 3rd IT20: Sri Lanka v England – Tuesday, February 3, 2026, Pallekele International Stadium, Kandy
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 – Group C
Following their tour, England will be kickstarting their T20 World Cup campaign in Group C, facing off against various adversaries:
- England v Nepal – Sunday, February 8, 2026, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
- England v West Indies – Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
- Bangladesh v England – Saturday, February 14, 2026, Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- England v Italy – Monday, February 16, 2026, Eden Gardens, Kolkata