Englishman Jack Simmons was coaching in Launceston at the time and was also captain of the Tasmanian team .
At the age of 17 , Boon made his first - class debut for Tasmania during the state 's second season of Sheffield Shield cricket , 1978 -- 79 .
Englishman Jack Simmons was coaching in Launceston at the time and was also captain of the Tasmania team .
At the age of 17 , Boon made his first - class debut for Tasmania during the state 's second season of Sheffield Shield cricket , 1978 -- 79 .