I am a bowler first, batting just an add-on: Pathan

New Delhi, Feb 21 (UNI) Team India Coach Greg Chappell may have tried his level best to turn him into an all-rounder but out-of-form seamer Irfan Pathan today asserted that his primary job is to wreck opposition line-ups with batting being only a bonus.

Having made it to the 15-member World Cup squad despite his poor form and fitness woes, Pathan told reporters, ''I consider myself only a bowler and my priority is to take wickets for my team. If I also manage to score some runs than I would consider it an added advantage. But I am primarily a bowler.'' ''I want to bowl with a positive frame of mind and take wickets.

If I keep taking wickets than I am sure nobody will question my speed or swing,'' he added.

The left-armer lost form with the ball after being pushed up the batting order and also ended up with injuries. His career touched a low when he was called back from last year's tour of South Africa and he continued to struggle with the ball at the domestic level but once again came in handy with the bat. He was susequently included in the Caribbean-bound squad.

Asked about his selection in the team, Pathan said he was delighted to be back in the side and would be aiming to perform well.

''I am very happy as being selected is like a dream coming true for me. I am taking the World Cup as just another tournament and would be striving to give my best,'' he said.

The seamer admitted that his sensational start at the international level had led to hightened expectations from him but he has tried to live upto them.

''Pressure is there but the less you think about it, the more it is good for you,'' he said.

Eager to prove his fitness before the World Cup, Pathan said, ''Without doubt, I have been through a very bad phase but this has not affected my abilities. You always want to do well for the country and that is what I will also be trying to do. This is precisely the reason I played domestic cricket after coming back from South Africa.'' The 22-year-old will play a Deodhar Trophy match on February 25 to prove his fitness after a shoulder injury.

Asked whether he sought any expert advice to recover from his poor form, Pathan said, ''Learning never stops. Everyone can learn something from someone. If I feel that seeking advice will help me, than I would not hesitate in asking for it.'' On India's World Cup prospects, Pathan said, ''We are working hard and our performance in the last two ODI series' (against West Indies and Sri Lanka) has been good. But ODI cricket is all about playing well on that particular day.'' ''I am ready to give my best in the World Cup,'' he added, elaborating his own goals for the big event.

Speaking about Australia's recent slump, Pathan said he would not read too much into the World Champions' poor form as they were capable of bouncing back.

UNI