The 43-year-old mustachioed former Test fast bowler joins chairman Trevor Hohns, David Boon and Andrew Hilditch on the panel and was endorsed by the CA board at its meeting here Friday.

Former Australian captain Border, who joined the selection panel in February 1998, resigned as a selector last April citing growing commitments away from the selection table.

"I always wanted to stay involved in cricket at the highest level when I left the game -- either through coaching or as a selector -- it has certainly been one of my ambitions," Hughes said in a CA statement.

"I am excited to be joining the panel as we try and keep Australian cricket at the top."

Hughes, named Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1994, has maintained a close connection to the game following his retirement.

"Big Merv", a whole-hearted pace bowler, took 212 wickets in 53 Tests for Australia in a career cut short by injury.

He made two tours of England, including the watershed visit in 1989 when Australia regained the Ashes.

His last Test for Australia was against South Africa in Cape Town in March 1994.

Hughes is the current Under-19 selector for Cricket Victoria, as well the fast-bowling coach for the Under-19 Victorian team and the Victorian Institute of Sport.

CA chairman Bob Merriman said Hughes would bring valuable knowledge and skill to the selection panel.

"Replacing a man of Allan Border's calibre was no easy task, but it is one of Australian cricket's strengths that we had a number of highly qualified candidates capable of filling the important role," Merriman said in the statement.

"As a former Australian representative, Merv has an outstanding understanding of the game at the elite level, and his experience and insight will certainly add to the wealth of knowledge among our national selectors."