Mathews wasn't part of the recently held South Africa tour due to a hamstring injury.
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Mathews was picked in the 22-member squad announced by Sri Lanka Cricket, on Wednesday (January 13), to be led by Dimuth Karunaratne.
Notably, the same injury had ruled Mathews out of the recently held South Africa tour, wherein Sri Lanka suffered a 2-0 whitewash in the Test series.
Meanwhile, Nuwan Pradeep also got a call up for the England series alongside Lakshan Sandakan while Dhananjaya de Silva, Kasun Rajitha, Santhush Gunathilake and Dilshan Madushanka have been left out.
Galle International Stadium will host both the Test between Sri Lanka and England behind closed doors amid the global COVID-19 pandemic.
While the first Test will begin on January 14, the second Test will be played from January 22.
Sri Lanka Squad: Dimuth Karunaratne (Captain), Kusal Janith Perera, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Oshada Fernando, Niroshan Dickwella, Minod Bhanuka, Lahiru Thirimanne, Lasith Embuldeniya, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dilruwan Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, Dasun Shanaka, Asitha Fernando, Roshen Silva, Lakshan Sandakan, Nuwan Pradeep, Ramesh Mendis