Colombo, June 7: Sri Lanka's experienced all-rounder Dasun Shanaka will captain the side, while Indian Premier League (IPL) stars Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Chamika Karunaratne and Bhanuka Rajapaksa have also been included in the Playing XI for the opening T20 International against Australia to be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium here later on Tuesday. Ben Stokes, England Test Skipper, Labels Ben Foakes the Best Wicketkeeper in the World.

The classy duo of Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis have also been named in the Sri Lanka top six, while there is no debut just yet for teenage quick Matheesha Pathirana, who recently returned from playing in the IPL. Pathirana caught the eye with a distinctive bowling style very similar to Sri Lanka pace-bowling legend Lasith Malinga while playing for Chennai Super Kings, but he will have to wait for his chance to impress.

Sri Lanka fell to a 4-1 defeat during a five-game series in Australia earlier this year, but are expected to perform more strongly on home soil with games scheduled for Colombo and Galle. Australia named their XI for the series opener on Monday, with Aaron Finch captaining a strong side that is missing first-choice spinner Adam Zampa and Test skipper Pat Cummins. Shane Watson Advises To Give Pace Bowler Josh Hazlewood a Regular Place in Australia’s T20 Side.

Sri Lanka XI: Pathum Nissanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara

Australia XI: Aaron Finch (c), David Warner, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, Ashton Agar, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson, Josh Hazlewood.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 07, 2022 12:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).