David Boon

Test Debut: Australia v West Indies at Brisbane, 2nd Test, 1984/85

Last Test: Australia v Sri Lanka at Adelaide, 3rd Test, 1995/96

Major Teams: Australia, Tasmania, Durham

Wisden Cricketer of the Year 1994

Quite possibly Tasmania's all-time favourite cricketing son, David Boon, born in 1960 in Launceston, was a pugnacious right handed batsman who served his state and country with enormous distinction. Among many highlights, it will possibly be his role in four Ashes series wins (particularly the 1989 triumph and his honour in hitting the winning runs of that series); his flawless unbeaten 184 in the Bicentenary Test of 1988; and his Man of the Match winning effort in the 1987 World Cup Final to which many will cast their minds most clearly. Predominantly in the number three position, the diminutive Boon's durability was a vital ingredient in Australia's resurgence as a cricketing power in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Boon also led Durham in English county competition between 1997 and 1999, guiding the side to its best ever finish in the County Championship in the last of these three years. He was also appointed to the post of Tasmanian captain at different ends of his career and was at the helm when his state enjoyed its most fruitful ever first class season in 1997-98. After retiring from all cricket following the completion of the 1999 county programme, Boon accepted a position in marketing with the Tasmanian Cricket Association in Hobart. His legend also lives on at the NTCA ground in his home city of Launceston where a major stand has been named after him.