Limited-overs skipper Lasith Malinga and four other prominent names, who withdrew from the Pakistan tour, have returned as Sri Lanka Cricket announced the squad for the upcoming T20I series against Australia on Thursday.

Besides the veteran speedster, wicketkeeper-batsman Niroshan Dickwella and Kusal Perera were among the 10 players that pulled out of the recent tour of Pakistan owing to security concerns. The upcoming tour of Australia will also see the return of Kusal Mendis

On the other hand, Bhanuka Rajapaksa has retained his spot in the squad following his heroics on the Pakistani soil. Leggie Wanindu Hasarangaand has also held onto his place for the tour of Australia.

The two sides will compete in three T20Is in Adelaide Oval, Brisbane and Melbourne respectively. Sri Lanka will leave for Australia on October 20. The T20I series between the two sides kicks-off from October 27 at Adelaide Oval.

Sri Lanka won the T20I series 3-0 against Pakistan. The Green army which is currently the number one side in the T20I format failed to showcase any fight and spirit.