Merv Hughes Inducted Into Australian Cricket Hall Of Fame

Merv Hughes, former Australian pacer played for Australia from 1985 to 1994 during which time he picked up 250 international wickets across two formats – Tests and ODIs.

Former fast bowler Merv Hughes has been inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame, the country’s cricket board said on Tuesday.

Merv Hughes Took 212 Wickets In 53 Tests And 38 Wickets In 33 ODIs

The pacer is renowned for his trademark handlebar moustache as well as his aggressive bowling style and took 212 wickets in 53 Tests between 1985 and 1994.

His career-best Test figures of 8-87 came against the mighty West Indies at the WACA in 1988 which included the final wicket of a hat-trick spread across three separate overs, two innings and two different days.

Merv Hughes, aged 59, also played 33 one-day international matches claiming 38 wickets.

At the WACA Ground in 1988–89, Merv Hughes completed a hat-trick that was unusual as it was spread across three separate overs, two innings and two different days. He had Curtly Ambrose caught behind with the last ball of his 36th over; ended the West Indies’ first innings in his 37th, by removing Patrick Patterson; and more than a day later, completed his hat-trick by trapping Gordon Greenidge lbw with the first ball of the West Indies’ second innings

Merv Hughes Was An Icon Of Australian Summer And A Lion-Hearted Competitor: Australian Cricket Hall Of Fame Chairman

Following his retirement, Merv Hughes worked as selector and bowling coach for Victoria state before replacing Allan Border as a national selector in 2005.

“Merv was an icon of the Australian summer for so many of us, a larger-than-life personality, a wonderful international cricketer, an ambassador for the sport and a deserved inductee,” Australian Cricket Hall of Fame Chairman Peter King said.

“A lion-hearted competitor, Merv boasts a proud career for Victoria and Australia in the test and one-day international arenas, paving the way for an incredible era of Australian cricketing dominance.”

“Even as synonymous as his on-field record, Merv will be forever remembered as a fan-favourite and his iconic warm-ups close to the boundary … that prompted bays of spectators to join in with him at stadiums all over the country.”

Inductees are selected by representatives from all levels of cricket including the Melbourne Cricket Club chairman, three ex-players, CEOs of Cricket Australia and Australian Cricketers’ Association along with two members of the media.