Angelo Mathews returns to Sri Lanka T20I squad for India series, Pradeep out with injury

Angelo Mathews returns to the T20I squad after a 16-month absence from the shortest form of the game.

Angelo Mathews returns to Sri Lanka's T20I squad after a 16-month absence.

An injured Nuwan Pradeep will be replaced by Kasun Rajitha for Sri Lanka’s tour to India. The side will be led by the seasoned Lasith Malinga for the three-match T20I series, which begins in Guwahati from Sunday.

Pradeep, who was initially named in the squad, suffered an injury during a practice session, and has been ruled out of the tour -- Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement.

After a slight delay, Sri Lanka’s minister of education, sports and youth affairs, Dullas Alahapperuma, approved a 16-member squad, which features Avishka Fernando, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews among others.

Mathews returned to the squad after a 16-month absence from the shortest form of the game. He played his last T20 international against South Africa in August 2018 when he led Sri Lanka to a three-wicket victory.

After its long tour to Pakistan, Sri Lanka will be playing a shorter series against India. While Guwahati will be hosting the tournament opener, Indore and Pune will host the other two games.

The squad Lasith Malinga (captain), Danushka Gunathilaka, Avishka Fernando, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Janith Perera, Niroshan Dickwella, Dhananjaya de Silva, Isuru Udana, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Oshada Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Kusal Mendis, Lakshan Sandakan, Kasun Rajitha.