Mervyn Hughes

Australia's most intimidating fast bowler of the 1980s and early 1990s — Mervyn Hughes was as much a psychological weapon as a physical one. His enormous moustache, barrel chest and aggressive celebrations towards batsmen became iconic. Took 212 Test wickets with a never-give-up attitude that endeared him to Australian fans. His partnership with Craig McDermott gave Australia genuine pace options after years of relying on swing and seam, and his Ashes performances against England were regularly outstanding.

Mervyn Gregory Hughes was born on 23 November 1961 in Euroa, Victoria, Australia. A combative right-arm fast bowler with an enormous handlebar moustache, he played 53 Tests for Australia between 1985 and 1994, taking 212 wickets at an average of 28.41. He took a hat-trick against the West Indies at the WACA in 1988-89, spread unusually across three separate overs, two innings and two days, and finished that match with career-best figures of 13/217. Hughes played a central role in three Ashes series victories over England, highlighted by his 31 wickets in the 1993 series after injury to fellow paceman Craig McDermott, and he was named Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1994. Known as much for his aggression, sledging and larger-than-life personality as for his bowling, he represented Victoria domestically along with a county stint at Essex, retired from international cricket in 1994, and later served as an Australian national selector.

Right-arm fast bowler with aggressive approach, known for his stamina and ability to bowl long spells

One of Australia's most recognizable cricketers, helped establish Australia's bowling dominance in the late 1980s and early 1990s

• Ashes series winner 1989 (Australia)
• Ashes series winner 1990-91 (Australia)
• Ashes series winner 1993 (Australia)
• Wisden Cricketer of the Year 1994