SL vs ENG: Liam Dawson ruled out of ODI series, replacement announced

Joe Denly has been called up to replace Dawson in the squad

Ahead of the third ODI against Sri Lanka, England have received a huge blow as all-rounder Liam Dawson has been ruled from the rest of the series due to a side strain. Following the injury, he was assessed by medical staff after which the decision was taken to send him home.

After getting ousted, Dawson took to his official social media account to express his disappointment. He wrote, "Thanks for the messages. Gutted to be going home and ruled out for the series. Injuries are always tough to take. Good luck to the lads for the remaining games."

Thanks for the messages. Gutted to be going home and ruled out for the series. Injuries are always tough to take. Good luck to the lads for the remaining games.

— Liam Dawson (@daws128) October 15, 2018

To replace him in the squad, Joe Denly has been called up. The 32-year-old has already been named in the English Test squad. He is set to arrive on Wednesday, hours before the third ODI, and could grab his first one-day cap since the 2009 Champions Trophy.

It has been 8 years now that Denly has been preparing for his return in the English dressing room. Following two impressive seasons with Kent, he will soon be seen in action, donning the Three Lions.

The Englishmen deployed three spinners to begin the series with. The trio of Dawson, Ali and Rashid has almost set up a balance and Denly has to get in sync with it as soon as he joins the team. Joe Root's off-spin could help cover for Dawson's absence if required.

Denly has represented England in 9 ODIs and 5 T20Is where he scored 268 and 20 runs respectively. The last time he played for his country was against Pakistan in a T20I, back in 2010, which England by 4 wickets.