note: the test career of wilfred rhodes spanned a record 30 years, 315 days. england's youngest test cricketer and another yorkshireman, brian close (born 24 february 1931), lies second in this regard. he made his debut against new zealand in 1949 and was recalled, after an absence of almost nine years, to oppose west indies in 1976 (his career lasting 26 years, 356 days).