But the Essex skipper, famous for his fiery performances, has not used the metal to kick-start his pyrotechnics, the latest of which was a century against Bangladesh in a warm-up match on Monday.

Instead he takes the mineral dissolved in water as part of a course of around 20 vitamin and minerals supplements a day.

"I take a sachet of magnesium every day and vitamins as well," he said.

"I can't read what they are because the label is in German and it smells dreadful but there is a benefit."

Irani is not the only sportsman to look for extra help in improving his performance.

Golfer Jesper Parnevik reportedly eats volcanic dust in the course of his preparations.

And Japanese marathon runner Naoko Takahashi drank the stomach juices of giant killer hornets before cruising to victory in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Of course, some athletes' added extras have fallen on the wrong side of anti-doping rules.

But Irani is fully aware the International Cricket Council (ICC) is planning to introduce drug-testing into next year's World Cup.

And he is happy that all the products he takes are above board.

"I've been taking them for about three or four years and I've done about 10 tests as we have random testing in county cricket and I've had no problem," he said.

"Also Frank gave me a number at the British athletics board and anything I take I send to a lady and she clears it for me.

"We have smart energy drinks but nothing beats what the chemist can give you - as long as it's legal."