Avishka’s return follows an impressive streak on the domestic circuit, where he has scored two centuries, including a career-best 160, in his last three List A games. He’s currently the leading run-scorer in the Major Clubs Limited Over Tournament, Sri Lanka’s domestic 50-over competition, where he has 447 runs at an average of 63.85.

Avishka’s inclusion gives Sri Lanka arguably their most capable top-order option in terms of boundary-clearing ability in recent memory. However, it remains to be seen how he is included in the playing XI alongside the likes of Pathum Nissanka, skipper Kusal Mendis and Kamil Mishara.

Arachchige, meanwhile, comes fresh off leading Sri Lanka to a bronze medal at the Asian Games. He scored a steady 33 off 37 balls in the third-place playoff Bangladesh. The last of his five ODIs had come in January 2024, with a highest score of 57 in three innings. His List A and ODI strike rates of 73.97 and 66.41, respectively, leave much to be desired. But the selectors would have likely weighed his outing in LPL 2026, where he struck 240 runs in ten innings at a strike rate of 147.23.

The rest of Sri Lanka’s squad lines up unchanged to the one that was clean swept 3-0 in England, with Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage and Dasun Shanaka comprising the remaining batting options.

Sri Lanka also persist with four frontline pace options in Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga and Dilshan Madushanka. Maheesh Theekshana, Sachindu Colombage and Dunith Wellalage make up the spin contingent.

The tri-series against Pakistan and England begins on October 18, with Sri Lanka taking on Pakistan in Rawalpindi.

Sri Lanka squad for tri-series vs Pakistan and England

Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (capt, wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Sachindu Colombage, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga