Former Fast Bowler Merv Hughes Inducted Into Australian Cricket Hall Of Fame

Former fast bowler Merv Hughes renowned for his trademark handlebar moustache and aggressive bowling style has been inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of fame. The big lad made his test debut against India in 1985 and featured for Australia in 53 tests picking up 212 wickets. He played 33 One day internationals for Australia picking up 38 wickets at an average of 29.3. He was a handy batsman lower down the order and has scored two fifties in his test career.

Merv Hughes post-retirement served as the selector and the bowling coach of Victoria eventually going on to replace Allan Border as the selector of the Australian national team. He took a hattrick in a Test against the West Indies at the WACA in 1988–89 and went on to take 8/87 for the match which was also the best figure in his career. In England, on his second Ashes tour in 1993, the crowd often chanted “Sumo” when he ran-in to bowl.

An Ambassador For The Sport And A Deserved Inductee

The Australian Cricket hall of fame welcomed Merv Hughes with a lot of praise and described him as an ambassador for the sport. Hughes was also referred to as a lion-hearted competitor which is an amazing feature. Australian Cricket Hall of Fame Chairman Peter King appreciated Merv Hughes for his efforts to Victoria as well as the Australian Test and ODI side. Hughes was also mentioned to be an important part of the era of Australia’s dominance in world cricket.

“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. he added

Merv Hughes To Be Remembered As Fan Favorite

Peter King also added that Merv Hughes will be forever remembered as a fan favourite and for his iconic warmups near the boundary. Merv Hughes attracted a huge fan base and his spectators have followed him to different parts of the cricket world alongside him.

“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,” said Peter King

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