Is England Set for a Tour to Sri Lanka for White-Ball Series Before the 2026 Men’s T20 WC?
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Synopsis
Discover how England's upcoming tour of Sri Lanka for three ODIs and three T20Is in early 2026 will shape their preparations for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup. With the squad led by Harry Brook, this series will be crucial for gaining experience in subcontinental conditions. Will they secure their third title?
Key Takeaways
- England tours Sri Lanka for three ODIs and three T20Is in January-February 2026.
- The tour serves as a build-up for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup.
- England last visited Sri Lanka for white-ball games in 2018.
- Harry Brook will captain the England squad.
- The series will help England adapt to subcontinental conditions.
London, Aug 20 (NationPress) - England is gearing up for a tour of Sri Lanka, where they will participate in three ODIs and three T20Is in January-February 2026, as part of their preparations for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup.
The squad, captained by Harry Brook, will commence the tour with a three-match ODI series scheduled between January 22 and 27, followed by three T20I matches from January 30 to February 3. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced that Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) will reveal the venues for the matches in due course.
This upcoming series in Sri Lanka presents England with a crucial opportunity to gain experience under the subcontinental conditions, which will be pivotal in their pursuit of clinching a third Men’s T20 World Cup title, having previously triumphed in 2010 and 2022.
This marks England's first white-ball tour to Sri Lanka in over seven years; their last visit in 2018 resulted in a 3-1 ODI series victory and a win in a solitary T20I. The two nations last faced off in a T20I during the 2022 World Cup, where England emerged victorious against Sri Lanka by four wickets in the group stage, paving their path to the championship at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Sri Lanka will next engage in a three-match T20I series away in Zimbabwe, while England is set to host South Africa for an equal number of matches, starting on September 10 in Cardiff.
Details of the England Men's tour of Sri Lanka are as follows:
1st ODI: England Men vs Sri Lanka Men, January 22, 2026
2nd ODI: England Men vs Sri Lanka Men, January 24, 2026
3rd ODI: England Men vs Sri Lanka Men, January 27, 2026
1st T20I: England Men vs Sri Lanka Men, January 30, 2026
2nd T20I: England Men vs Sri Lanka Men, February 1, 2026
3rd T20I: England Men vs Sri Lanka Men, February 3, 2026
Point of View
It is evident that England’s tour of Sri Lanka signifies a pivotal moment in their preparation for the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup. The experience gained from playing in Sri Lanka's unique conditions could be instrumental in their quest for a third title. As the national editor-in-chief, we stand by the importance of such international engagements in fostering cricketing relationships and enhancing team performance.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When is England's tour to Sri Lanka scheduled?
England's tour to Sri Lanka is scheduled for January-February 2026, featuring three ODIs and three T20Is.
Who will lead the England team during this tour?
The England team will be led by captain Harry Brook during the tour of Sri Lanka.
What does this series mean for England's T20 World Cup preparations?
This series will provide England with essential experience in subcontinental conditions, vital for their preparations for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup.
How long has it been since England's last white-ball tour to Sri Lanka?
It has been over seven years since England's last white-ball tour to Sri Lanka, which was in 2018.
What was the outcome of the last England vs. Sri Lanka T20I match?
In their last T20I encounter during the 2022 World Cup, England defeated Sri Lanka by four wickets.
