Richard Gillismeets the mild-mannered Irish fast bowler

Watching the fast men in action is one of cricket's elemental thrills, every ball a small piece of theatre. It starts with the tease, a slow walk back to the mark, like a rollercoaster rising to the summit, and closes as the ball hurtles past the batsman at speeds of over 90mph.

Today's exponents also reflect what we already knew: we live in the era of the sports scientist.

As an example, Ireland opening bowler Boyd Rankin's preparations on the morning of a big game are a study in precision.

Out on a practice strip to the side of the day's wicket, three small red markers are placed very carefully just short of a good length. Rankin, with assistant coach Matt Dwyer, then uses a tape measure to mark out his 20-yard run-up.

The stumps have been modified to help focus more keenly on the target.

There is a gap where the top of off stump should be, allowing the ball to pass through it. Sixty times over the four hours, Rankin will think only of hitting that red marker, and by extension the top of the off stump.

It is this methodical approach that has allowed Rankin to make a mark of his own at this World Cup. His opening bursts have been a highlight and he is discussed as one of the finds of the tournament, a key ingredient in the Ireland story.

His tally of international scalps grows by the game: Younis Khan, AB DeVilliers, Herschelle Gibbs, Michael Vaughan, Ed Joyce.

South Africa coach Mickey Arthur's pre-match 'two bowlers will be targeted' comment was aimed at the tall, fresh-faced 22-year-old from Derry. It was a bit of kidology certainly, the planting of a little something to think about as head hits pillow, but a genuine compliment too.

"It's flattering certainly, to be identified as a threat," says the gently spoken Rankin. "Its hard to come to terms with what I've done; I think it will only hit me after the tournament. I haven't heard too much of what people have been saying because we've been so busy. I try not to think about it."

Strictly speaking, Rankin doesn't live in the express lane, delivering the ball at between 75 and 85mph. Indeed, a defining characteristic of this World Cup is the absence of genuine pace. With Brett Lee and Shoaib Akhtar absent, only Shane Bond of New Zealand is in that category.

Rankin's bowling heroes reflect this trend. "I've modelled myself on Glenn McGrath and Curtly Ambrose," he says, "they both bowled at a similar pace to me and hit back of a length outside of off stump all day."

The most successful opening bowlers over the past decade or so have sacrificed pace for control.

"There were times in recent matches when I've tried to bowl too fast. Because of that my lines and lengths have not been up to it," he says. "If it's loose, these players will hit it whether its 80mph or 90mph."

In terms of dedication, technique and his obvious physical attributes, Rankin ticks all the boxes required to make a full-time career from his chosen trade (he begins a contract with Derbyshire immediately after this World Cup under his mentor Mike Hendrick).

The next few games will pose further questions. Some of the biggest bullies in world cricket await, men like Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden, Ricky Ponting, Stephen Fleming and Sanath Jayarsyia. At least, given his recent experience, he knows what's coming.

"Up close, Kevin Pietersen is definitely in a different class from anyone else I've bowled to so far," he says. "He is coming at you all the time, which puts you off a bit when you're running up. His whole approach, both physically and the fact that you know you are bowling to Kevin Pietersen, the world number one player, plays on your mind."

Looking ahead to next week, Rankin allows the kid from Derry to penetrate the surface.

"I'll be looking forward to test myself against the best players and see how I go," he says.