Big Merv is one of cricket's most colourful characters

The 43-year-old replaces Allan Border, who stepped down two months ago after a seven-year stint on the panel.

"I am absolutely delighted to be appointed," said Hughes, who is as well known for his huge moustache as for the 212 wickets he took in 53 Tests.

"I always wanted to stay involved in cricket at the highest level when I left the game, either through coaching or as a selector."

Hughes joins convenor Trevor Hohns, Andrew Hilditch and David Boon - who has an impressive moustache of his own - on the selection panel.

"Merv has an outstanding knowledge of the game at the elite level.

"His experience and insight will certainly add to the wealth of knowledge among our selectors," Cricket Australia chairman Bob Merriman said.

"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."

Hughes' appearance helped make him a cult figure

Hughes arrived on the international cricket scene in the first Test against India at Adelaide in December 1985.

Figures of 1-123 suggested he might struggle to hold down a regular place but following his recall against England the following year, he went on to become a permanent fixture.

His finest performance came against West Indies at Perth in 1988 when he took 8-87 in the second innings and had match figures of 13-217.

Bristling with aggression, Hughes was not averse to letting batsmen know what he thought of them, but the sledging was sometimes laced with humour.

During a 1991 Adelaide Test, Pakistan's Javed Miandad reportedly called him a "fat bus conductor".

Hughes' response, after claiming his wicket, was to say "Tickets, please".