Despite playing 61 times for Ireland, it's fair to say that outside of the Irish camp, and his home club Clontarf, not much is known about 28 year old all-rounder Alex Cusack.

The 'quiet man' of the Irish squad prefers to do his talking on the field, and since his debut in 2007, he has certainly impressed. In those 61 games he has scored 1010 runs at a healthy average of 26.58. His highest score of 130 came in the Intercontinental Cup in 2007, but perhaps his most vital innings came in the same competition. That was an unbeaten 95 as Ireland recovered from a terrible start, to once gain claim the trophy for a third time.

It is his bowling however which has drew most praise, as he has claimed 63 wickets at just 20.22. His best figures of 4 for 18 came in the thrilling 9 run loss to Sri Lanka in the recent ICC World Twenty20. How did you come to be playing cricket in Ireland?

I started playing cricket in Australia at eight years old. I played first grade in North Brisbane. There I opened the batting one day and next day I was at No 9, it was such a strong side, and did a bit of bowling. I went back in 2007, my last winter away, and opened the bowling so that was a good help. But usually I've been a change bowler.

Originally I came over to play a season of club cricket. My brother played rugby for Old Crescent, in Limerick, so I had a few contacts. I had an Irish passport which helped.

I was supposed to go to Pembroke but they already had a professional, so Clontarf got in touch with me and they said come up. They gave me a run and that was the start of it in 2003.

When I arrived, I didn't know anyone but I thought if I did okay, I might get a chance to break into the Ireland team, but I was pretty young at the time (he was 22) so it took a while. I then met my wife and we got married last December.

What about your time in the Irish team?

I made my Ireland debut in 2007, against Middlesex. I was happy with my batting (29) but I bowled rubbish (two overs for 29). Ed Joyce and Eoin Morgan beat us that day, so it was a bit ironic. It was a gloriously sunny day, and there was a good crowd at Clontarf. I knew then it was a big step up from club cricket.

I managed to get the MOM in my second game, which was an ODI against South Africa in Belfast. I got 3 for 15 and scored 36 not out. WE could have won that game after getting a good start, but Kenny Carroll slipped and trod on his wicket, and after that we fell away.

Did you have any doubts about accepting a full-time contract with Ireland?

I'm a carpenter by trade and did a bit of coaching at the club but when I was offered a contract as professional for Ireland I had no doubts.

It's something I always wanted to be since I was a youngster, and it's working out well for both parties at present. It's definitely the way to go for the future.

What have been the highlights in your Irish career to date?

Scoring a century on first class debut (against Scotland at Stormont) was special, but the final of last year's Intercontinental Cup against Namibia in Port Elizabeth was tough and I was pleased to do well - (he scored 134 runs without being out, to earn the MOM Award.)

Your versatility has been shown in the fact that you have batted and bowled in a variety of positions in the team - what's your preference?

I was a bit reluctant going in at No 3 first, but although I'm now used to it still prefer batting down the order in the one-dayers. I like the four-day stuff , as it gives you more time, so you can be patient, and build an innings.

I don't mind opening the bowling, as I have opened for Clontarf but I'm happy enough to fit in wherever I'm needed.

I play a different role in the one-dayers, bowling at the death and that is working out. I got four-fors in the T20 games against Sri Lanka, at Lords, and in the qualifiers against Scotland at Stormont. Hopefully I'll get a five-for one day.

What about the game with England?

We're back at Stormont on Thursday, and I actually like playing there. For my money it's the best ground in Ireland. It's big and has a decent enough wicket.

I'd love the chance to do well against a full member. It'll be a full crowd so it should be a great experience. I'm certainly looking forward to it.

We've a good side so no reason why, if we build pressure, we can't pull off an upset if we play to our ability.