His return wasn’t exactly fruitful as Lanka lost the match by seven wickets. Tharanga (34) though was involved in a 54-run stand with skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan for the first wicket.
“It was one of the most difficult situations I have experienced. The ban affected me psychologically and that was one of the toughest periods in my life,” Tharanga said before he padded up for the Pallekele one-dayer. “Fortunately that is over now and I am looking forward to the future.”
Tharanga was caught by a random urine test taken after the World Cup semi-final against New Zealand but went on to play in the side beaten by India in the final in Mumbai.
“I was shocked when I got to know that I had failed a drug test. I just couldn’t understand what had happened,” said Tharanga, who scored 395 runs during the World Cup at an average of over 55.
“Playing in England is what every player wants to do. It’s a unique challenge to play and succeed in England… It was disappointing to miss out on this occasion.
“Everything is over now and the captain and the selectors have recalled me as soon as the ban is over. I am looking forward to do well in this series.”