SL vs ENG 2026: My body just automatically changed the release point after injury: Matheesha Pathirana

Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana’s return to rhythm may not yet be complete, but the signs are positive. In the rain-hit first T20I against England in Pallekele, the 23-year-old looked clinical and explained how a serious shoulder injury forced an involuntary change in his release point.

The pacer, known for his slingy, low-arm action, had endured a frustrating last year hampered by injuries and loss of form. That phase also saw him play just two T20Is in 2025 and get released by the Chennai Super

Kings after IPL 2025. Notably, ex-cricketers pointed to a higher release point as the reason behind his dip in form. However, Pathirana addressed the issue, revealing that his body had automatically changed the release point as he bowled through a significant shoulder problem.

"Even though I've practiced to bowl in the powerplay, there was no plan as such for me to bowl there today. It just so happened that our score was lower than we wanted, so it was decided that I would bowl in the powerplay. Honestly I didn't do anything major, just simple, basic things. The main thing was increasing the number of repetitions in practice. If there is any improvement, that's the reason. In terms of practice I increased it greatly," Pathirana said after the game as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

I've worked very hard to get back to this level: Pathirana 

While his release point is still higher than during his breakout phase, Pathirana confirmed he continues rehab between matches, gradually working his way back to his natural action. The improvement, he said, has come not from major technical changes but from increasing repetitions in training, with guidance from Sri Lanka’s coaches and Lasith Malinga playing an important role.

"Over the last year, year-and-a-half, along with my injuries, it was a challenging period. I lost my rhythm. I've worked very hard to get back to this level. And then more recently Mali aiya [Lasith Malinga] was here in Sri Lanka helping out, as well all the coaches at SLC - not just one - all of them helped me get here," he added.

Meanwhile, in the series opener, Pathirana finished with figures of 1 for 18 from four overs at an economy rate of just 4.5. He bowled two overs inside the powerplay. His lone wicket was in the form of Tom Banton. Furthermore, Pathirana’s spell kept Sri Lanka in the contest despite a decent total. After rain reduced the match to 17 overs per team, Sri Lanka posted 133 before collapsing from 76 for 1 to being bowled out in 16.2 overs, courtesy of Adil Rashid’s three-wicket haul and Sam Curran’s hat-trick.

England’s chase began on a poor note as Eshan Malinga, Pathirana, and Dasun Shanaka ensured the contest remained alive until rain returned. With the visitors at 125 for 4 after 15 overs, they were 11 runs ahead of the DLS par score, sealing the match and a 1-0 series lead.