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Hughes named Australia selector

June 03, 2005 15:36 IST

Former Australian paceman Merv Hughes has been appointed on Cricket Australia's National Selection Panel (NSP), replacing Allan Border who retired from the role in April.

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The appointment of Hughes, 43, who joins Chairman Trevor Hohns, David Boon and Andrew Hilditch on the four-man panel, was endorsed by the Cricket Australia board at its meeting on Friday.

Cricket Australia Chairman Bob Merriman said Hughes would bring valuable knowledge and skill to the selection panel.

"Replacing a man of Allan Border's calibre was no easy task, but it is one of Australian cricket's strengths that we had a number of highly qualified candidates capable of filling the important role," said Merriman. 

"As a former Australian representative, Merv has an outstanding understanding of the game at the elite level, and his experience and insight will certainly add to the wealth of knowledge among our national selectors.

"The National Selection Panel has perhaps the most difficult job in cricket and over a long period of time they have shown great integrity, wise judgement and experience in their decisions and these are always made in the best interests of Australian cricket."

The former Australia bowler was delighted to be appointed to the position.

"I always wanted to stay involved in cricket at the highest level when I left the game – either through coaching or as a selector; it has certainly been one of my ambitions.

Hughes, named Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1994, has maintained a close connection to the game following his retirement. He is the current Under-19 selector for Cricket Victoria, as well the fast-bowling coach for the Under-19 Victorian team and the Victorian Institute of Sport.

Cricket Australia received nominations from the six state cricket associations in the search to replace Border, as well as identifying and approaching various other potential candidates.

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