Daryl Tuffey figured an inconsequential dismissal of Andrew Strauss at Headingley five years ago might actually represent his final contribution as a test cricketer.
Debilitating injuries, fluctuating form and then the irresistible pull of Indian Cricket League rupees earned Tuffey persona non grata status at New Zealand Cricket.
Match payments for Auckland then seemed his lot once the alternative Indian Twenty 20 tournament folded on a sticky financial wicket.
Tuffey was among a band of rebellious former New Zealand representatives burned by the experience, yet a few short months later his currency is undeniably on the rise.
A first class summer served as a solid first step towards his resurrection. Twenty odd wickets at 22 apiece in the domestic four-day competition indicated he retained the zip of old – fellow renegade Shane Bond was suddenly not the only fast bowler warranting a second life once those ICL ties were severed.
Bond's stage managed return to the test arena ideally takes place at home against Pakistan in November; Tuffey's unscripted reappearance might take place as early as tomorrow at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground (4.30pm NZ time).
New Zealand's ineffectual handling of swashbuckling Sri Lankan opener Tillekaratne Dilshan has prompted a seam bowling rethink, one that involves only one option: Tuffey's long-awaited 23rd test at the expense of Iain O'Brien.
Dilshan's devastating 215-run aggregate at Galle International Stadium last week set up Sri Lanka's series-opening victory. More of the same at the SSC and New Zealand will be fortunate to avoid a similar scenario before the tour reverts to limited overs mode.
Tuffey will not be required for the Twenty20s or ODIs but he was optimistic of earning his first cap since England strolled to a nine-wicket, series-sealing win at Leeds in June, 2004.
"I think I'm a chance of getting in. I've been bowling pretty well, I feel good in the nets," he said.
Captain Daniel Vettori will not deviate from a bowling axis of two quicks and two spinners backed up by allrounders Jacob Oram and Jesse Ryder.
Chris Martin is assured of celebrating his 50th cap, leaving O'Brien as the discard.
Given the length of Tuffey's test match hiatus, and the fact he last played for New Zealand, underwhelmingly, at the 2007 World Cup, his selection has an element of risk attached.
Tuffey has played only once on his fourth trip to the island, the tour opener against a development side when the incumbent O'Brien was allowed to recover from his exertions on the English county circuit.
Ad Feedback He took three for 63 from a match he enjoyed more as it wore on.
"As the game progressed my form got a lot better," Tuffey said.
"I'm feeling strong, I'm bowling at a decent clip but it's net bowling . . .. nothing can replicate being out there in the heat of battle."
Tuffey's plans to impress Vettori went slightly awry yesterday when he threw up during his bowling workload – though the illness is not as serious as the virus that brought his team-mates to their knees during the first test.
He was confident of being able to participate fully in New Zealand final training session later today.
Although Tuffey has been confined to net practice since his Auckland commitments ended with the State Championship title in April, his domestic success ensured the self belief remained tip top.
"The way I bowled last summer was probably the best I've bowled in my career," he said.
And once the wickets started tumbling Tuffey started imagining a return to the test and limited overs squads.
"I thought I was a chance of making it back if I withdrew from the ICL so things have pretty much worked out as I'd planned," he said.
Meanwhile, should Tuffey make the XI his new strategy will be to clam up Dilshan, a process he mulled over while sub fielding in Galle.
"I was studying the way he was batting and looking at the aggressive approach he plays," said Tuffey, who advocated a conservative approach.
"It's about being a bit more boring so to speak. . .. bowling dots and having a few different field placings through the offside."