Mendis and Fernando sidelined for England T20 tour

Sri Lanka cricket authorities have ruled out key players Kusal Mendis and Binura Fernando from the forthcoming T20I series in England, with both players unable to meet the touring party due to injury concerns.

Mendis, a mainstay of Sri Lanka's middle order, and Fernando, a promising pace bowler in the national setup, will remain in Sri Lanka for rehabilitation and recovery. Their absence necessitates adjustments to the squad composition ahead of the England fixtures.

The national selectors will need to identify replacement players capable of filling the void left by the injured duo. This decision comes as Sri Lanka prepares for what is anticipated to be a challenging assignment against the hosts in the shortest format of the game.

The specific nature and timeline for the players' recovery have not been disclosed by the cricket board. Sri Lanka's medical team will continue monitoring their progress with a view to their potential availability for upcoming international commitments.