By Amindha de Alwis

Minister of Sports Harin Fernando yesterday (17) approved the 16-member squad led by Lasith Malinga for Sri Lanka’s forthcoming three-match T20I series against Australia.

Along with Malinga, wicket-keepers Kusal Perera and Niroshan Dickwella also make their return to the National Squad after having opted out of the recent tour of Pakistan while Kusal Mendis returns from injury.

Meanwhile, 12 members of the Sri Lanka T20I outfit, who impressed during the series against Pakistan, have been retained in the squad.

The team will depart for Australia on October 20 and will engage in a warm-up fixture against an Australian Prime Minister’s XI on October 24 prior to the commencement of the three-match series.

Sri Lanka T20I Squad: Lasith Malinga (Captain), Kusal Janith Perera, Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka, Avishka Fernando, Niroshan Dickwella, Dasun Shanaka, Shehan Jayasuriya, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Oshada Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lakshan Sandakan, Nuwan Pradeep, Lahiru Kumara, Isuru Udana and Kasun Rajitha.

Match schedule:

• 1st T20I: October 27 at Adelaide.
• 2nd T20I: October 30 at Brisbane.
• 3rd T20I: November 1 at Melbourne.