Melbourne: Shoaib Akhtar, credited with bowling the fastest ball ever (161.3 kmph), spoke to The Telegraph exclusively on a subject he knows best.

Shoaib, 39, retired after the 2011 World Cup.

Excerpts...

Q Just how important is pace?

A Look, speed deceives batsmen. And, if the control is there, then there's nothing like it. Pace alone is of no use, if the bowler can't use it to his advantage. There has to be a method in the madness of fast bowlers. Speed, control, the ability to consistently bowl in the right areas... A lot goes into the making of a match-winner.

How should fast bowlers approach a tournament like the World Cup?

The mindset must be to take wickets. But that's possible only if bowlers know the art of taking wickets. That's what I tell the fast bowlers when they come to me.

What makes the difference in a World Cup?

The ability to rise to the occasion and make use of the huge platform. There is, after all, no bigger stage for a cricketer. Fast bowlers need to have controlled aggression and should enjoy the moment. If they can tick both boxes, then they're going to make a mark.

Pressure...

Try and take it in your stride, don't get crushed by the pressure.

What's the most lethal ball in ODIs?

The yorker, with the one which reverses coming next. Fast bowlers shouldn't hesitate to give the batsman one on his head. He'll then become uncomfortable. Mix things up with the slower ball, but the yorker remains the most lethal.

Challenge for fast bowlers?

Getting their rhythm right, conserving energy... Looking after the ball.

Nowadays, two bouncers are allowed in ODIs...

Why not? Batsmen should fear fast bowlers, instead of coming down the track and having a go... Push the batsmen on the backfoot.

You've bowled the fastest ball. What are your memories of that effort at Newlands (against England) in the 2003 World Cup?

It was quite some time back. A fast bowler should bowl fast, otherwise, why play? The ball is like a weapon, to be used judiciously.

The ongoing World Cup is less than a week old... Who're the fast bowlers whose performances you'll be following with considerable interest?

Morne Morkel is my favourite... After him, well... Dale Steyn, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Tim Southee and Mohammed Irfan.

• MORKEL (SA): Morkel's length is deceptive, that's his USP. However, he needs to learn how to bowl at the death. He's not as effective and lethal at the death. Bowling length balls won't help. He's good, but needs to become street-smart in the complete sense.

• STEYN (SA): Steyn knows everything. He's an all-time great, aware of the tricks of the trade.

• JOHNSON (Aus.): Johnson is like Steyn - knows everything. But, at times, he could get expensive. That said, a few loose balls could be followed up with a wicket-taking delivery.

• STARC (Aus.): Starc has learnt to be aggressive and has been in terrific form. He's learnt things the hard way, though. He's running in hard and fast and consistently bowling in the right areas. Watch out for this lad.

• SOUTHEE (NZ): Southee's pace is deceptive and conditions at home suit him perfectly. His advantage is that he can not only trick you with pace, but with variety as well. He's a smart cookie with experience.

• IRFAN (Pak): Irfan, because of his build, will always run the risk of getting injured. So, fingers crossed. His length ball is very deceptive and he bowls good yorkers, too. Then, he has the ability to get the ball to reverse.

You haven't talked about Lasith Malinga... Can't he be counted upon for something special?

Malinga's been among the smartest of fast bowlers for a long time. But he's come off surgery and I'm not sure how he'll go through the World Cup. He can, of course, make a huge difference to Sri Lanka's fortunes.

What would you tell Umesh Yadav and Co.?

Frankly, India's bowling coach should be somebody who has himself been an accomplished fast bowler... I say that because Yadav and Mohammed Shami, even Ishant Sharma, need proper guidance. Guidance from a fast bowler, not any former bowler.

Bowling at the death is an issue...

My advice is: Read the batsman before he reads you. You need to relax and should know how to get the ball to reverse. Using the crease is a factor.

The last one... How would you explain Pakistan's inconsistency?

Perhaps, it's in our culture... In our DNA... Not only cricket, everything in Pakistan is hit by inconsistency. Aur main kya bolun?