The convicts haircut, and a moustache the size of a roadsweeper's broom, have created an image that made him the most recognizable player in the world of cricket. His image tends to camouflage a magnificent cricketer, Merv took wickets for Australia at a faster rate than Ray Lindwall managed, and probably had a better time doing it as well. Merv's lack of athleticism is compensated for by a huge competitive streak which captured 212 test wickets including a hat-trick against the West Indies in Perth during the 1988/89 Series. Merv was also handy with the bat, making 1032 Test runs at an average of 16.64, with a highest score of 72. As a sports speaker, Merv just can't help but be himself, telling hilarious stories of his escapades both on and off the field, as well as rare insights into many of his fellow players.