Fast bowler Merv Hughes has been inducted into the Australian Hall of Fame.
Among cricket’s most recognizable players ever thanks to his famous beard, menacing running and fast bowling, Hughes played 53 Tests and 33 one-day internationals for Australia in the 1980s and 90s.
The lion skipper tested 212 test wikis at an average of 28.38, and a further 38 wikis at 29.34 in ODIs.
🏏 53 Tests
☝️ 212 wikis at an average of 28.38
👨🏻 Owner of one of the greatest mustaches ever in cricketCongratulations to the old fast bowler, @ MervHughes332, which was inducted into the Australian Hall of Fame. pic.twitter.com/hzeD0RA37J
– ICC (@ICC) February 1, 2021
His best test performance against the West Indies came in 1988 at the WACA, where he claimed 8/87 figures. One of those eight wikis came in a hat-trick spread over two innings and three overs.
After Curtly Ambrose fired with the last member of his 36th over, he took away Patrick Patterson with the first of his 37th to complete the first innings at the West Indies on the second day of the Test.
On the third day he completed the most outstanding hat tricks by catching Gordon Greenidge on the first member of the West Indies second innings. That was the first of his eight wikis for the innards in a game in which he made 13 appearances over 73.1 overs.
His greatest achievement in the series came in the ashes of 1993, claiming 31 wickets at 27.25 to help Australia win the six-game series 4-1.
“Merv Hughes was an icon of the Australian summer for so many of us, a bigger person than life, a brilliant international cricketer, an ambassador for the sport and a well-deserved educator at the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame,” said Peter King, Chairman of the Australian Hall of Fame .
“Merv is a lion’s rival, and Victoria and Australia have a proud course in the test fields and International Day, preparing for an incredible moment of Australian cricket leadership.
“Even as sensible as his record on the field, Merv will forever be remembered as a fan with his iconic flowers near the border, especially at the MCG, which has brought in bays of spectators. to join him at stadiums all over the country.
“He has left his legacy on the sport in post-career leadership with today’s teams, administrative roles as National Elector and the heartbeat of cricket Australia. Australia Cricket Hall of Fame is delighted to recognize Merv Hughes. ”