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More Test caps 'bring longer life', research suggests

10/04/2008

England Test cricketers are more likely to live longer if they have played for their country many times, research published today suggests.

Professor Paul Boyle's conclusions cover those who were born between 1827 and 1941, however, meaning those struggling to make their mark on the current squad need not panic about losing out on a good innings just yet.

The University of St Andrews researcher notes that during this period there was a big difference between the well-off 'amateur' gentlemen and working class professional 'players' who represented England during much of this period.

According to Professor Boyle, amateur gentlemen cricketers who played in many Test matches had an average life expectancy of 79.3 years.

By contrast professional players who appeared in only a handful of Tests survived for an average of 71.5 years – nearly eight years' difference.

The research, which is published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, says its findings reflect the clearly established link between mortality and "occupational circumstances".

"The unique contribution of these data is that we can measure occupational success taking into account prior social circumstances and the results do suggest that both early life circumstances and success have a role to play in life expectancy," Professor Boyle said.

His findings failed to find a clear link between mortality and Test caps when it comes to England captains, however, meaning Michael Vaughan cannot plan on a long retirement just yet.