Paceman Shanthakumaran Sreesanth promised to focus only on his bowling after resurrecting his controversy-ridden career during the second Test against Sri Lanka here on Thursday.

The temperamental bowler, plagued by injury and disciplinary issues, marked his return to international cricket with an impressive haul of 6-85 on the third day of the match, after being on the sidelines for nearly 19 months.

In fact, life came back full-circle for the fast bowler who played his last Test at this very Green Park venue in 2008 against South Africa.

- To be very honest I never thought I will play for India again - an emotional Sreesanth said at a media conference after the day's play. - This is the same ground where I played my last Test and it is so good to start here all over again. I have promised myself that I will keep doing my things right and focus only on what I am supposed to do. -

Sreesanth's destiny took a new turn when he was included in the Indian squad for the first two Tests against Sri Lanka, weeks after being given a "final warning" for his poor on-field behaviour.

- All that is history now. I am making a fresh beginning, now that I have been given the opportunity to start my career afresh - said the 26-year-old quick who has picked 56 wickets from 15 Tests so far.

During the time he spent out of the Indian team, Sreesanth played 10 first-class games taking 28 wickets, including one five-wicket haul for English county side Warwickshire.

- It was the best decision by the Indian board to allow me to play in county cricket. It was not easy bowling in England in July-August. But a lot of people helped me including coach Allan Donald. -

- Donald helped me a lot in my training and made me a little more professional. -

Sreesanth, criticised often for his over-the-top antics, said it was not really a conscious effort to keep his celebrations muted during the Sri Lankan innings.

- I did celebrate but with my teammates. There is no need to celebrate to show the world. -

The bowler revealed that he had learnt to be more patient on the field.

- Earlier I used to get irritated easily. But I kept my patience today. I told myself that I will get the wickets if I keep bowling in the right areas.

- I am enjoying bowling fast again, which is very important. -

The bowler also brushed aside the controversy involving him and off-spinner Harbhajan Singh during the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League in 2008.

A teary-eyed Sreesanth was slapped in full view by Harbhajan who was apparently upset by his excessive appealing.

- He (Harbhajan) is like a big brother. I look up to him as a cricketer and a bowler. -