Take a look at these two queries:
Batting records | Test matches | Cricinfo Statsguru | ESPNcricinfo.com
stats.espncricinfo.com
Batting records | Test matches | Cricinfo Statsguru | ESPNcricinfo.com
stats.espncricinfo.com
I was interested to see the difference between how players over 35 fared in each country compared to the average. Players who are over 35 are probably relying more on experience than eye.
Pakistan, the UAE, India, the West Indies, New Zealand and England all see averages go up for the geriatrics. Australia, Sri Lanka and South Africa all see drops in average.
My original hypothesis was that quicker decks were harder to play on if you're older, while slower decks would favour experience. It is interesting then that the West Indies sees geriatrics do better while Sri Lanka favours youth.
Make of that what you will with regards to longevity arguments.
That ability typically degrades faster against pace than spin is pretty much self evident. Im not sure this comparison tells you any more. The typical bat who makes it to 35 in a team is likely to be much better than average. So while the 35 plus guys are posting better numbers than the youngsters on slower decks, we dont know that if it is due to the fact that they have improved, or due to the fact that they are simply better. They might be posting worse numbers than the younger versions of themselves.