Kim Hughes

Kim Hughes

Kimberley John Hughes (born 26 January 1954) is a former cricketer who played for Western Australia, Natal and Australia. He captained Australia in 28 Tests between 1979 and 1984 before captaining a "rebel" Australian team in a tour of South Africa, who at the time were subject to a sporting boycott.

A right-handed batsman, Hughes was seen to possess an orthodox and attractive batting style. Hughes was identified as a potential Test cricketer from an early age but his impetuous style of batting and personality clashes with influential team mates and opponents such as Dennis Lillee and Rod Marsh saw a later introduction to first-class and Test cricket than anticipated. During the split between the establishment Australian Cricket Board and the breakaway World Series Cricket, Hughes stayed with the establishment.

Hughes' captaincy record with Australia was hindered by a succession of matches away from home (just seven of his 28 Tests while captain were played in Australia) and an inexperienced team rebuilding itself after the frequent absence and later retirement of several of senior players. Placed under extreme pressure by the media and former team mates during a series of losses to then dominant cricket team in the world, West Indies, Hughes made an emotional and tearful speech, resigning from the captaincy. He finished his career playing cricket in South Africa.

After his playing career Hughes for a time acted as the chairman of selectors for the Western Australian Cricket Association and is an occasional commentator for ABC Radio's cricket coverage.