Possibly Tasmania’s all-time favourite cricketing son, David Boon was a pugnacious right-handed batsman who served his state and country with enormous distinction. He was not always the most stylish player, but for what he lacked in fluency he more than compensated with his ardour for occupying the crease and accumulating runs when they were most needed.
Previous experience
Highlights: As an 18 year old, Boon played a starring role in Tasmania’s history-making Gillette Cup win in 1978-79, the state’s first interstate one-day title, and he never really looked back over the course of an elite-level career which spanned 17 years. Among many highlights were his roles in four Ashes series wins, particularly the 1989 triumph and his honour in hitting the series-winning runs; his flawless unbeaten 184 in the Bicentenary Test of 1988; and his Man-of-the-Match winning effort in the 1987 World Cup final. Predominantly in the No. 3 position, Boon’s durability was a vital ingredient in Australia’s resurgence as a cricketing power in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Courage: His courage was often at the core of Australian performances and it was common to see his belligerent square cutting, driving and pulling upsetting the rhythm of even the finest of bowlers.
Triumphs: Aside from a range of triumphs with Australia during 107 Tests and 181 ODIs, Boon also led Durham in the English County Championship between 1997 and 1999, guiding the side to its best finish in the last of these three years. He was also appointed to the post of Tasmania captain at different ends of his career and was at the helm when his state enjoyed a fruitful first-class season in 1997-98.
Retirement: After retiring from cricket in 1999, David Boon enjoyed more than a decade on the Cricket Australia selection board and as general manager of Cricket Tasmania. He became an ICC match referee in 2011, making his test debut on the 1st of September in a test between Pakistan and Zimbabwe.
NTCA: His legend lives on at the NTCA Ground in his home city of Launceston where a major stand has been named after him.