David Boon
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 Australia (Aus) |
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 |
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| Batting style | Right-handed batsman (RHB) | |
| Bowling type | Right-arm Off Break (OB) | |
| Tests | ODIs | |
| Matches | 107 | 181 |
| Runs scored | 7,422 | 5,946 |
| Batting average | 43.65 | 37.04 |
| 100s/50s | 21/32 | 5/37 |
| Top score | 200 | 122 |
| Overs bowled | 6 | 13.4 |
| Wickets | 0 | 0 |
| Bowling average | - | - |
| 5 wickets in innings | 0 | 0 |
| 10 wickets in match | 0 | N/A |
| Best bowling | - | - |
| Catches/stumpings | 99/0 | 45/0 |
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As of 28 August 2005 |
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David Clarence Boon (Born December 29, 1960, in Launceston, Tasmania) was an Australian cricketer of the 1980s and 1990s. He was a stocky right-hand batsman who fielded at short leg.
Making his Test debut against the West Indies in Brisbane in 1984, he went on to be one of Australia's most prolific runscorers. Currently he is a member of the Cricket Australia selection panel that selects the Australian Cricket Team for international matches.
[edit] Cult Figure
Nicknamed 'Boony', the stocky, moustached batsman's popularity was recently extended beyond the pitch, where he became something of a cult figure for his drinking exploits and singing of team songs. He famously vomited on the hallowed Adelaide Oval turf in a WSC game in 1988 before a live nationwide TV audience of millions (he went on to make 122 and win Man Of The Match).
More recently he became the face of Victoria Bitter (VB) beer for its 2005/06 summer advertising campaign, called Boonanza. Part of the promotion was the sale of a talking David Boon figurine with purchases of beer, which would make comments when prompted by Channel Nine commentary. Boon played himself in the television advertisements. This was a controversial choice, as Boon achieved much fame and notoriety for consuming 52 cans of beer on a flight between London and Sydney before the victorious Ashes tour that saw Australia regain the trophy after five years of English dominance. VB denied the story, though chose Boon as a representative (often jokingly referred to as the "Keg on Legs") because of his legendary drinking exploits and dogged, iconoclasic batting displays. One health expert claimed it was a "..a dog-whistle marketing strategy directed at the heavy-drinking, sporting public that says, 'Go for it'." [1]
Following Boon's retirement from international cricket, Tasmania proclaimed November 14, 1996 David Boon Day, and an all-star testimonial match was held in his honour..
Boon is currently a member of the Cricket Australia selection board, along with fellow colourful cricketer Merv Hughes.
[edit] External links
- Cricinfo Player Profile : David Boon
- David Boon - Australian Legend (Dean Jones recounts the famous 52 beer flight)
- Drinking for Australia - David Boon 52 Not Out! A history of the Australian Cricket team's Ashes flight drinking
