Study finds English male players ‘fitter’ and ‘leaner’ with drastic reduction in body fat

A study undertaken by the University of Essex finds that England's male cricketers have become leaner and fitter in the last decade. The research compared the change in fitness levels from 2014 to 2020, using 52 senior players as a sample.

Dr Jamie Tallent led a team of talented researchers who studied the body profile changes of English players. To qualify for the study, a player had to represent England in at least one International fixture in the aforementioned period.

The study found that the men's cricketers lost almost 18% of their body fat, which is a substantial cut. However, no change in body mass has been reported, which fits the conclusion of players becoming leaner than before.

Dr Tallent was delighted with the progress made by modern science and how it can be used to influence a player's performance on the field. However, Dr Tallent added that the player's improved fitness levels did play a significant role in England's 2019 ICC World Cup triumph.

"For the first time, we have evidence of improvement in the athleticism of the England men's cricket team. It was a real privilege to work closely with some of the world's best players and find out what makes them perform at the highest level," said Dr Tallent.

"We have scientifically examined one of the reasons how England managed to pull off the dramatic World Cup victory, which in no small part was due to their incredible conditioning," he added.

"It's been a pleasure to have Dr Tallent and his colleagues assist the ECB with this project," said Rob Ahmun, ECB lead strength and conditioning coach.

"The physical demands of the game have increased considerably in recent years, and it's important that players are able to not only cope but thrive under the physical pressures of playing international cricket," he added.