England men's cricketers "leaner and fitter" than ever, according to research

The improved conditioning of England's players contributed to their 2019 World Cup win in "no small part", believes lead researcher Dr Jamie Tallent

England's men's cricketers are "leaner and fitter" than ever, according to a study undertaken by academics at the University of Essex.

The researchers, led by Dr Jamie Tallent, analysed 52 senior players, who took part in at least one Test, ODI or T20I, to explore physical profile changes from 2014 to 2020.

Monitoring their physique, power and speed, the study revealed a decline in body fat – by around 18 per cent – but no decrease in body mass, with the players developing leaner muscles.

Fitness levels, meanwhile, significantly improved, with the distance the players were able to run in the yo-yo test – a measure of cardiovascular capability - increasing by 19 per cent.

Commenting on the study, Dr Tallent said it was "great" to see sports science and medicine having a "real benefit" on player fitness and claimed England’s World Cup success in 2019 was "in no small part due to their incredible conditioning".

^{England's increased conditioning contributed to their World Cup win, believes Dr Tallent [Clive Mason/Getty Images]}

"For the first time we have evidence of improvement in the athleticism of the England men's cricket team," he added.

"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.

"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.

"It is clear that the physical requirements to be an international cricketer are extremely high and this looks to continue to develop."

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

"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."

The study is set to be extended to examine the women’s team and the match demands of international cricket.