Melbourne, Feb 26 : Former opener David Boon is hugely impressed by Australian opening batsman Phil Hughes.

Hughes is set to open Australia's batting with fellow left-hander Simon Katich in the first Test against South Africa starting today in Johannesburg.

Boon says an incident in a Sheffield Shield game in Hobart in December underlined Hughes' potential.

"He has a big ticker because I know Hilfy (Ben Hilfenhaus) cleaned him up with one at Bellerive. But he took his time, got himself right and got back into the job and nothing changed," The Courier Mail quoted Boon, as saying.

Johannesburg, Feb. 25: Australian cricket selector David Boon has called on fans and critics to be patient about team selection and performance a day before they take on South Africa in the first Test at the Wanderer''s here.

Commenting on main selection issues, Boon said that as far the Wanderer's was concerned, it "has "essentially been a seamers'' wicket."

Johannesburg, Feb. 24 : Australian cricket selector David Boon has hinted that pace could be best option for the visitors in the upcoming first Test against the South Africans in Johannesburg.

Boon isn''''t so sure that the Wanderers pitch will suit a leg-spinner such as Bryce McGain.

Boon said all 14 members of Australia''''s touring party were in the mix for spots in the side, although off-spinner Nathan Hauritz appears a rank outsider.

Melbourne, Feb 24 : At the age of 48, former Aussie opener David Boon was as solid in his defence as he ever was, and made South African net bowlers sweat it out in Potchefstroom on the third day of Australia's tour game against Proteas XI.

Boon is in South Africa as a selector for the Australian team, but during a break in play he decided to borrow a pair of pads and a bat and give the local net bowlers a workout.

He armed himself with Brad Haddin's bat, but did not bother with a helmet or introductions, The Courier Mail reported.