Melbourne, Oct 29 (IANS) Former fast bowler Merv Hughes was dropped as a selector as Cricket Australia's (CA) board of directors Friday unanimously confirmed the composition of the National Selection Panel (NSP), with David Boon, Greg Chappell and Jamie Cox joining chairman Andrew Hilditch on the four-member panel.

The board reaffirmed its belief that four selectors was the most appropriate size for the NSP especially now that Australian cricket has a full-time National Talent Manager (Chappell). After a presentation by Hilditch to the board, it decided that Hughes would be the one cut from the existing five-man group.

"After feedback from NSP Chairman Andrew Hilditch during today's meeting, the Board unanimously decided that David Boon, Jamie Cox and Greg Chappell were the best people to join him on the four-member NSP," CA's chief executive James Sutherland said.

"Andrew was clear in his assessment that Merv had been a good selector and a strong contributor around the selection table, but that Cox, Boon and Chappell were the better options to continue on the NSP. Unfortunately this means that Merv is no longer a member of the NSP. Merv has provided valuable input and expertise to the NSP during the past five years and Cricket Australia thanks him for his contribution during this time," he added.