Becoming a recognised allrounder isn't high on James Pattinson's priority list at the Brisbane Heat.
Nor, he says, is playing again for Australia.
The fit-again paceman insists playing a full part in a successful Big Bash League campaign for his new team would mean more than anything as he continues to rehabilitate from serious injury.
Pattinson fielded questions on Wednesday about his batting prowess after Heat coach Dan Vettori said he will consider the 28-year-old as an allrounder.
Vettori's confidence appeared to surprise Pattinson although the 17-Test quick conceded he'd had a chance to hone his batting skills during 15 months out of first-class cricket because of ongoing back stress fractures.
"Obviously I'd like to contribute in any way I can," Pattinson, whose first class batting average is 24.76, said.
"I've tried to work on my batting a fair bit over the last couple of years (but) obviously foremost is my bowling."
Pattinson has done little with the bat in four Sheffield Shield matches for Victoria this summer.
However, he's bowled with increasing intensity, leading to speculation his three years in the international wilderness could soon be over.
Pattinson said he hadn't thought about that prospect, anxious to take small steps back to his best form and enjoy it along the way.
"My goal is just to play cricket at any level at the moment," he said.
"I think sometimes we can get too far ahead, of thinking of playing for Australia and that sort of thing, and not really worrying about the job at hand.
"If success comes your way and happens then it happens. My job is to play for Brisbane and play well."
The former Melbourne Renegades speedster was looking forward to joining forces for the first time with Heat opener and former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, a nemesis of sorts over the years.
McCullum whacked Pattinson for 13 runs in the opening over of his Test debut at the Gabba seven years ago.
The injury-prone paceman was also on the receiving end in his most recent Test, in 2016 in Christchurch, when the Black Caps skipper smashed 145 off 124 balls - although he did eventually claim his scalp.
"Coming up here, I've always said it's great I don't have to bowl to Lynny (Chris Lynn) or McCullum, which is an added bonus," Pattinson said.
Share
