Red Bull
Vitalizes Body and Mind
Developed to improve concentration and reaction speed, particularly during periods of increased mental and physical exertion, Red Bull has been used by many elite-level sportsmen and women in the UK for some time.
Cricketers have been using Red Bull since it first arrived in the UK.
Players on the county circuit soon recognised Red Bull's benefits for keeping them 'switched-on' for long periods at the crease or in the field.
The England dressing room has a Red Bull cooler and product present at every international match they play. During the World Cup this year the players took the product from island to island to ensure they had the product for net sessions and match days.
County teams that are also supplied with Red Bull include Yorkshire, Somerset, Surrey, Nottinghamshire, Lancashire, Durham, Essex, Warwickshire, Hampshire and Gloucestershire.
As 'Fred' Flintoff says: "I use Red Bull when I am tired and need to be focused. Be that waiting to go into bat or needing a boost before I bowl another 10 overs."
Success in cricket, especially at Test level, requires nerve, skill and razor-sharp reactions. Concentration underlines all of these necessities.
Talent is a given
As Michael Vaughan comments on how to face fast bowling hour after hour: "Batting against pace is all about relying on your instincts. Every Test-level fast bowler reaches speeds above 80mph so, no matter who you're facing, the ball is moving so fast that there's no time to think about what you're doing - you've just got to react to it.
"Facing fast bowling is mentally demanding so a good temperament is vital.
"You can't fear the pace but you must respect it. Be prepared to take a few hits but don't let them ruffle you. It hurts when you get hit so get ready to wear a few bruises.
“As a batsman your mind and body is mentally and physically tuned into reacting in a split second. It becomes just that: a reaction. The shot that you play depends entirely where you think the ball is going to pitch.”

