Waugh, who made his international debut in December 1985, was yesterday preparing for tomorrow's start to the second Test against South Africa. The Australian vice-captain is a veteran of the barren 1980s, when Test wins were few and far between for Australia.
Border, a former captain, played 156 Tests for Australia beginning in that period, as did Boon (107). Ian Healy, the wicketkeeper, will play his 100th Test, barring injury, in the third encounter with the South Africans in Adelaide at the end of January.
``A lot of blokes never came back from that period,'' Waugh said yesterday. ``It tested you and only a few came through.'' His record of 6,203 runs at 49.23 and 85 wickets at 34.68 is one of the best in post-war Australian cricket.
``I haven't thought about it until the last week but to be here now is nice,'' he said. ``I just wonder where all those Tests have gone. It has been a great time and I've enjoyed every minute of it. I hope there are a few more to come.
``Test cricket these days is definitely more professional, less open to risk. Practice is a lot more intense, the big nights certainly aren't there any more, like in the early days. But it's still the ultimate test and that hasn't changed.''
Bill O'Reilly, the late Australian player, insisted Waugh be picked after just a handful of domestic Sheffield Shield games.
Australia were coming off a 3-1 Ashes thrashing and a 2-1 loss to New Zealand when Waugh, then 20, made his debut at the Melbourne Cricket Ground against India. He scored 13 and 5, and took two for 36.
Slowly the talent unfolded, but it was not until his 27th Test and 42nd innings that he unleashed himself upon England in 1989 with a maiden, unbeaten 177. It was followed by 152 not out at Lord's and, after three Tests, his average was 393. It finished at 126.50, the first of four series in which he has averaged over 100.
Yet within 18 months he was dropped for his twin brother, Mark, and did not return until recalled against the West Indies in 1992-93.
``Being dropped is always a huge moment in your career,'' he said. ``You can either say I'm not willing to do the hard work to get back, or I want to prove people wrong and do myself justice by getting back in and playing to my ability. I chose that path rather than throwing it in.''
A century in Sydney saved his career and since the 1993 Ashes tour he has scored 3,700 runs at 74.00 - a streak only the legendary Don Bradman could match.
Meanwhile, Michael Bevan has been recalled to the Australian party. If he plays, as seems likely on a pitch that invariably offers generous turn, it will be as a second spinner and at the expense of a seamer, almost certainly Michael Kasprowicz.
South Africa may also include a second spinner in Paul Adams. He played in the last two Tests in Pakistan in October and has had two first-class games in Australia.