Upul Tharanga keen on making an impact

31-year old Upul Tharanga hasn’t really seen much of international cricket in the last few years. A successful opener in his early days as an international cricketer, Tharanga has been an important addition to the squad for most of the current setup. He is currently playing in a new role for Sri Lanka, especially in the absence of players such as Thisara Perera.

“I have played 14 matches against England and I are lucky against them. I’ve done well here, and in Sri Lanka,” Tharanga said on the eve of the match. “Playing at number seven is not new to me. Yes, most of the time I have played as a top-order batsman, but I am enjoying it (the new role).”

“It is up to the management, but they need this from me,” Tharanga said. “They need me to bat in the middle order, so I’m happy with that. We have lots of new players and we (need some) experience. I’m just happy to be here and doing something for the country.

In his new role as a finisher, Tharanga has been something of a revelation. The last two matches have seen Tharanga bat in the number 7 position where he has accounted for 93 runs in total. Tharanga is expected to occupy the same position at The Oval on Wednesday when Sri Lanka try to come from 1-0 down with two to play in the five-match series.

“If I bat from the 30th over, I think I can play my normal game. If I go in for the last few overs, obviously I have to change my game. In the nets I’m trying different things,” he said. As a cricketer, I always want to play for my country. In the last few years, I am in and out of the team. So I am happy to be here. The last domestic season, I did well, so that’s why I got the opportunity – even batting six-seven. So I’m happy to do something for my country.”

“We are just needing a big score. Players are getting 40 or 50, and we are getting 240 to 260. As a batting side, some of the top four need to get a big score – get that, and I think we can get 300. There are still two ODIs left, and we are looking forward to winning those games and the series,” he summed up.

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