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As the T20 World Cup 2026 draws nearer, teams around the world are ramping up their preparations to fine-tune their squads and strategies. One such key series on the horizon is England Men’s tour of Sri Lanka, which promises competitive cricket action and critical game time for players ahead of the global tournament. This tour will feature two white-ball formats giving both sides valuable exposure in subcontinental conditions.
England’s white-ball tour of Sri Lanka in January ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
England are set to play a three-match One Day International series against Sri Lanka starting January 22, 2026, followed by a three-match T20I series beginning January 30. The ODI series will conclude on January 27, while the T20I matches will finish on February 3. Though the exact venues are yet to be confirmed by Sri Lanka Cricket, anticipation is high for intense and competitive cricket.
This tour provides England, the champions of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022, with a vital opportunity to adapt to Sri Lanka’s spin-friendly pitches conditions expected to mirror those in the upcoming World Cup. There is also significant focus on captain Harry Brook, who carries a huge responsibility to lead and inspire the side during this crucial tour. The series will allow both young talents and seasoned players to showcase their skills and gain momentum heading into the global tournament.
England tour of Sri Lanka 2026:
- 1st ODI: England v Sri Lanka, 22 January 2026
- 2nd ODI: England v Sri Lanka, 24 January 2026
- 3rd ODI: England v Sri Lanka, 27 January 2026
- 1st T20I: England v Sri Lanka, 30 January 2026
- 2nd T20I: England v Sri Lanka, 1 February 2026
- 3rd T20I: England v Sri Lanka, 3 February 2026
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England’s mixed white ball form in recent times
England’s recent performances in white-ball cricket have been a mixed bag, which makes this tour all the more significant. After a disappointing exit from the Champions Trophy earlier in the year, which led to a change in captaincy with Brook taking over, the team has been in a rebuilding phase. While they clinched a decisive 3-0 T20 series victory over West Indies, they faced a tough challenge in India losing the five-match T20I series 4-1.
The team also experienced a challenging ODI series in India where they were whitewashed 3-0 in the sub continent. This tour of Sri Lanka is their next major step to demonstrate that they are back on track and ready to compete for the biggest titles. The series is not just about winning; it’s about gaining confidence, finding form and building a cohesive unit that can thrive in the high-stakes environment of a World Cup.
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