The selection meetings for the Australian cricket team are about to become a lot more interesting after larrikin Merv Hughes was added to the national panel.

The former Test firebrand was renowned for his colourful antics during his 53-Test career and said he wouldn't change his personality after replacing former skipper Allan Border.

Hughes was an overwhelming crowd favourite with his trademark handlebar moustache and regular displays of exuberance endearing him to fans every summer.

"I don't think it will change who I am," he said of his appointment.

"I am still Merv Hughes and becoming an Australian selector won't change that, I just think you don't try and change for the sake of other people and I take my cricket very seriously."

The whole-hearted Victorian admitted he was a little concerned that his larrikin reputation could have harmed his chances of being chosen to join Trevor Hohns, David Boon and Andrew Hilditch on the panel.

"Off the ground I was seen as the likeable larrikin which was a great reputation to have had for a long time, and probably now it is time to move on and be seen as a serious player in Australian cricket," he said.

Hughes claimed 212 wickets at 28.38 during his Test career which started in 1985 in Adelaide and finished in South Africa in 1994.

He maintained a close connection to the game following his retirement and is the current U/19 selector for Cricket Victoria, as well as the fast-bowling coach for the U/19 Victorian team.

The national selectors have one of the most testing jobs in Australian sport in picking the national team, but Hughes said he intended to approach the job with the utmost honesty.

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