Adil Rashid has been ruled out of England’s three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka after sustaining a right hand injury while fielding during the third T20 international at Emirates Old Trafford on Saturday, September 20 2026. The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed the injury, with the 38-year-old leg-spinner undergoing a scan on Monday, September 21, which confirmed he would be unavailable for the remainder of the tour. The ECB described the problem as a “right hand injury”, without disclosing further details about its exact nature or a projected recovery timeline.
Rashid will miss all three ODIs: the opener at Banks Homes Riverside, Chester-le-Street on Tuesday, September 22, the second match at Headingley on Thursday, September 24, and the series finale at Kennington Oval on Sunday, September 27. Rehan Ahmed has been named as his replacement and joined the England squad ahead of the first ODI.
Rashid sustained the injury during England’s third T20 international against Sri Lanka at Emirates Old Trafford, the match that completed a 3-0 series clean sweep for the hosts. England’s three T20 victories came by 119 runs, in 12.1 overs and in 9.4 overs respectively, underlining their dominance across the format. The injury occurred while Rashid was fielding, and a scan carried out the following day confirmed he would be unable to take part in the ODI leg of the tour.
Who replaces Rashid and what is his record?
Rehan Ahmed steps into the squad in Rashid’s place for the ODI series. Ahmed has been included in the England XI for the first ODI at Banks Homes Riverside, which also features Tom Banton, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook as captain, Jos Buttler as wicketkeeper, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue.
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Rashid’s absence is a notable one given his standing in England’s ODI history. The leg-spinner is second on England’s all-time ODI wicket-takers list with 243 wickets, behind only James Anderson, who leads with 269. Rashid is also a double World Cup winner, underlining the experience England will be without across the three matches against Sri Lanka.
