In their efforts to excel in all conditions, Australian cricketers will combat the sweltering heat of the Indian subcontinent and Australian summer with ice vests.

They will use Arctic Heat, a product by an Australian company, which cools the skin temperature and stabilizes core temperature, mimicking the body's natural cooling process.

This prevents the body from being affected by stress due to heat, improves performance by allowing blood flow to be concentrated in the muscles where it is needed most, and reduces fluid loss by minimizing dehydration.

The lightweight vest is made from a Sportwool inner, which wicks moisture away from the body and transfers it to the front of the garment producing a cooling effect.

It has a micromesh outer which limits the vest to less than 1 kilogram in weight, and has pockets of gel sewn in to it which can hold temperature for long periods. The neckties work on the same principle.

Cricket Australia has signed its second three-year sponsorship agreement with Arctic Heat, which will involve the wholly Australian owned company supplying the men's and women's international teams and all state teams with its ice vests and neck ties.

Australia's strength and conditioning coach Jock Campbell said, "Heat stress can have a debilitating effect on performance, as well as causing some serious health problems, so it is important that we use the technology available to us to minimize it.

"The Arctic Heat products have become important tools in the team's preparation and recovery, particularly when we are playing in the extreme conditions of the sub-continent."

The Australian technology is also used by teams in the AFL, tennis players at the Australian Open and international teams in soccer and rugby World Cups.

The Australian cricket team is scheduled to tour India in September-October this year to play four Test matches.