T20 WC 2021: Maheesh Theekshana marks surprise pick in Sri Lanka's squad

Maheesh Theekshana has been included in Sri Lanka’s 15-member squad for the upcoming edition of the T20 World Cup. The tournament will be held in the UAE and Oman from October 17 to November 14. Akila Dananjaya, Lahiru Kumara, Pulina Tharanga and Binura Fernando have been demoted to reserves. Pathum Nissanka, Ramesh Mendis and Minod Bhanuka were not included. These players are a part of Sri Lanka’s squad for the ongoing limited overs series against Sri Lanka, making it all the more surprising. Veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews is not a part of Sri Lanka’s contract list, making him unavailable for selection.

Theekshana’s variations a massive advantage

Theekshana bowls the carrom ball and googly as well as off-spin. He recorded a four-wicket haul on his ODI debut vs South Africa, with a dismissal in the only T20I he has played against South Africa. The 21-year-old has accounted for 22 scalps in 23 T20s so far, with his best figures of 2 for 9 registered in an encounter against Sri Lanka Navy Sports Club in the Sri Lanka Cricket T20 tournament.

Sri Lanka squad: Dasun Shanaka (C), Dhananjaya De Silva, Kusal Janith Perera, Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kamindu Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne, Nuwan Pradeep, Dushmantha Chameera, Praveen Jayawickrema, Lahiru Madushanka, Maheesh Theekshana

Reserves: Lahiru Kumara, Binura Fernando, Akila Dananjaya, Pulina Tharanga.

Tymal Mills included in England squad with Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes sidelined

Fast-bowler Tymal Mills has been recalled to the England squad for the upcoming edition of the T20 World Cup, having impressed during the recently concluded maiden season of the Hundred for the eventual champions, Southern Brave. Mills further made his presence felt for Sussex in the T20 Blast Finals, with his pace certainly a valuable addition considering the absence of Jofra Archer who is sidelined with an elbow problem. Ben Stokes is further not a member of the squad with the all-rounder currently in the middle of an indefinite break from the game for mental health reasons.

England T20 World Cup squad: Eoin Morgan (capt), Moeen Ali, Jonathan Bairstow, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Tymal Mills, Adil Rashid, Jason Roy, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.

Travelling reserves: Tom Curran, Liam Dawson, James Vince.

Ravi Rampaul back in West Indies squad as Sunil Narine misses out

Fast-bowler Ravi Rampaul has benefitted from his heroics in the ongoing edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), after being included in the West Indies’ 15-member squad for the upcoming edition of the T20 World Cup. Rampaul last played a T20I for the national team back in November 2015. Spin-bowling allrounder Roston Chase is another interesting addition, having been uncapped in the shortest format of the game for the West Indies. Chase was impressive in both the 2020 edition of the CPL as well as the ongoing season for the Saint Lucia Kings.

Squad: Kieron Pollard (capt), Nicholas Pooran (vice-capt), Fabian Allen, Dwayne Bravo, Roston Chase, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Evin Lewis, Obed McCoy, Ravi Rampaul, Andre Russell, Lendl Simmons, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr.

Reserves: Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Sheldon Cottrell, Darren Bravo.