Angelo Mathews picked for India T20Is

Sri Lanka have recalled veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews into their 16-man squad for the forthcoming T20I series against India starting January 5 in Guwahati. The 32-year-old, who has been plagued by injury concerns over the last couple of years, hasn't played a T20I since August 2018.

Meanwhile, fast bowler Nuwan Pradeep sustained an injury during practice, and will not be a part of the touring party with Kasun Rajitha, the 26-year-old pacer, replacing Pradeep in the squad for the tour.

The Lasith Malinga-led squad are set to depart for India on Thursday (January 1), to prepare for the first of three T20Is in Guwahati, followed by games in Indore (January 7) and Pune (January 10).

Sri Lanka have had a mixed bag in T20Is of late, after inflicting a 3-0 white-wash on Pakistan in their own den with an allegedly second-string side, only to be humbled by Australia by an identical scoreline two weeks later. Their preparation for the T20 World Cup in Australia later this year continues with the brief three-match tour of India.

16-member squad:Lasith Malinga, Danushka Gunathilaka, Avishka Fernando, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Janith Perera, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Dhananjaya De Silva, Isuru Udana, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Oshada Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Kusal Mendis, Lakshan Sandakan