Kirsten is a former South Africa Test batsman

India's cricketers could have an entertaining few weeks at the Champions Trophy if they follow the advice of their forward-thinking South African coach Gary Kirsten.

In secret documents leaked to the Hindustan Times, Kirsten says an active sex life can translate into good results on the field of play.

The chapter concerned is headed: "Does sex increase performance?" and the answer is straight to the point. "Yes, it does, so go ahead and indulge."

His argument goes that sex "increases testosterone levels, which causes an increase in strength, energy, aggression and competitiveness".

"Conversely, not having sex for a few months causes a significant drop in testosterone level in both males and females with the corresponding passiveness and decrease in aggression," he adds.

606: DEBATE Have your say on Kirsten's advice

The document, which has been given to all 15 members of the India squad, quotes Tim Noakes, a sports scientist at the University of Cape Town as saying that "sex was not a problem, but being up till 2.00am... having a few drinks at a bar while trying to pick someone up, on the eve of a game, almost always was".

Kirsten's beliefs go against common thinking that suggests that sex before sport drains energy.

But the former opening batsman, who played 101 Tests and 185 one-day internationals for his country, must be doing something right as he has taken India from fourth to the top of the one-day rankings during his time in charge.

The dossier has, not surprisingly, become a hot topic in South Africa where India are preparing for the first game of their Champions Trophy campaign - which is against Pakistan on Saturday.

England skipper Andrew Strauss played a straight bat when questioned by an Indian reporter about sexual advice given out to his squad.

Kirsten and Sachin Tendulkar chat ahead of the Champions Trophy

"I don't think it has come up in any of our dossiers ever," he said. "I am not sure it is likely to either."

Australia captain Ricky Ponting also seemed stumped when quizzed on the issue. He said: "A team vision document on that would be interesting. Actually, no, it wouldn't. That's all I can say."

England spinner Graeme Swann, however, seemed a bit more enthusiastic about the idea, saying it was "the kind of forward thinking the game needs".

The dossier also mentions diet and how eating habits affect performance, as well as drawing on India's military history to try to add extra aggression during matches.

"India has never been an aggressor at war," the document says. "Indian cricket teams are not known to attack first, to dominate from the start."

The document has space for players to provide feedback to the coaching team but as yet, their views on the subject have not been made public.

But one thing is for sure, there will be plenty of interest in how they perform, on the field that is, during the Champions Trophy over the next fortnight.

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