One of the earliest all-rounders to grace the game, George Giffen was a middle order batsman who could also chip in with his off breaks that were delivered at a flatter trajectory and quickish pace. With over 10000 runs and more than 500 wickets in first-class cricket, Giffen enjoyed a hugely successful career and though statistically not in the same level in international cricket, he served Australian cricket with a lot of efficiency and dignity. He managed the double of 1000 Test runs and 100 wickets at an impressive average and strike rate. His batting was to an adventurous category and though he only crossed the three-figure mark for the country once, he had 17 tons in domestic cricket which was of equally high quality in that era. With the ball, he was part of a potent Australian attack that could blow opponents away. In the company of more fiery bowlers, Giffen was more of the unsung hero who did his work quietly.

During the 19th century, run-making wasn't an easy art, coming as it did on tough pitches that were damp and uncovered with a lot of unpredictability around it. Therefore, his batting average was actually more impressive than it looks to our eyes. There were plenty of valuable knocks in there, which were worth their weight in gold. Monetary benefits weren't great for cricketers in those days and he worked at the Adelaide Post Office for over four decades. With 7 four-wicket hauls and as many five-wicket hauls, Giffen's bowling was never in the spotlight but his performances were defining nevertheless. He ended with a match haul of 16 wickets as many as five times - a world record that still exists and was also the first non-English bowler to get a 10-wicket innings haul. His on-field exploits aside, there were drawbacks in Giffen's persona as he had the habit of influencing selection matters and it put him in bad light at certain points.

By Hariprasad Sadanandan