Merv hughes....- a trundler or a fast bowler?

[MechEng]

Not many cricketers have amazed me as much as this guy....

It's a huge surprise that a country boasting of the likes of super fit Lillee and Thompson would actually think of taking Merv in the team and that too as a FAST BOWLER!!!!

As my question points out, what was Merv's bowling speed like? A military medium guy or someone who generated real pace?

 

[sifter132]

Well I hear your thoughts, but this is also a country that also included the super-svelte David Boon They picked Greg Ritchie too for a while - Fat Cat was his nickname.

Merv was much fitter than he looked anyway, renowned for steaming in all day.

Speed? Complete guess, but in the mid-130s somewhere probably. Maybe nudging 140 if he was worked up.

 

[angryangy]

Yeah he was quick enough, though what you have to remember is that he also had a long career in which he didn't really come into his own until he was about 30. He was still a part of the plans until 1995 and didn't officially pull up stumps until he was 38. What the public conscious reflects is that really the younger, more svelte Merv didn't cut it. As he got older and the winters started to build up around his midriff, he still had his height and bounce and he used his skills better. It's something of a testament that the discovery of Glenn McGrath spelt the end of his career; a player who although taller and thinner, would basically continue applying the principles.

 

[Robelinda]

*TOO GOOD* MERV HUGHES CAUGHT & BOWLED COMPILATION - YouTube

Merv Hughes HAT TRICK 1988/89 Perth, WACA. - YouTube

Viv Richards vs Merv Hughes - watch that cap Viv! 4th test 1991 - YouTube

Chris Broad bowled by superb Merv Hughes slower ball - for Mr Smyth! - YouTube

Craig McDermott/Merv Hughes and Gordon Greenidge- funny - YouTube

 

[sifter132]

Was just watching one of your highlight vids the other day Rob...Aus vs WI first final of 88/89 and in that Merv sprints to the boundary after a ball, slides perfectly like the 'modern' player and rips it back in. He really was a tremendous athlete, as Bill Lawry might say

 

[Robelinda]

MERV!