The tournament which starts on February 7 in Colombo is the first to be held in Sri Lanka. Ten countries including Sri Lanka are taking part with the first four countries qualifying for the women’s world cup to be held in England in June 2017.

A few players who excelled in the recently concluded series against Australia have been included in the squad. All rounder Ama Kanchana, medium Pacer Oshadi Ranasinghe and senior opening batsman Yasodha Mendis have been left out of the squad. They have been replaced by off spinners Malsha Yahani, Inushi Fernando and middle order bat Harshika Madhavi.

Former skipper Sashikala Siriwardena who was injured has not been included in the squad as she is still recovering. The selection committee has decided to include only two pacewomen Udeshika Prabodani and Sripali Weerakkody.

The Sri Lanka Women’s squad – Inoka Ranaweera Captain, Chamari Atapattu , Hashini Perera, Ishani Lokusuriya, Udeshika Prabodani, Sripali Weerakkody, Malsha Yahani, Inushi Fernando, Harshika Madavi, Sugandhika Kumari, Dilani Manodara, Chamari Polgampola, Prasadhini Weerakkody and Nipuni Hansika.

He said that several changes have been made to the Sri Lanka women’s team including its captain and a new coach too has been appointed in Hemantha Devapriya who will be guiding the team with Inoka Ranaweera who has been entrusted in the captaincy. Several new players have been included in the Sri Lanka women’s team which will take part in the first one day international at the SSC ground today. The second third and fourth ODI will be considered for ICC ranking. At present Sri Lanka is ranked number eight and England is in second place.

De Silva also said that this series will give the Lankan women’s cricketers ODIs the much exposure for the Asian Cup Women’s Tournament. The English women’s team is in Sri Lanka after six years having last toured in 2010.