Aubrey Faulkner was highly ranked by Jack Hobbs as a leg-spinner, and was known for his accuracy. He also made some very good runs for South Africa.
Quote:
One of the earliest exponents of the googly, he differed from other bowlers of that type because of his ability to send down quite a fast ball, almost a yorker, and when at his best, with faultless length, skill in turning the ball either way and a puzzling variation of flight he proved too much for some of the world's greatest batsmen.
Wisden - George Aubrey Faulkner
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So is there a case for playing Faulkner in an ATG XI? If he does play then he and Murali would make a pretty formidable spin bowling combo, while at the same time allowing enough room at the bottom of the order for 3 top notch fast bowlers. All pitch conditions would be catered for.
01. Jack Hobbs
02. Len Hutton
03. Don Bradman
04. Sachin Tendulkar
05. Gary Sobers
06. Aubrey Faulkner
07. Adam Gilchrist
08. Malcolm Marshall
09. Dennis Lillee
10. Glenn McGrath
11. Muttiah Muralitharan
Obviously Benaud is not good enough to bat in the top 6, and Mushtaq Mohammed is an excellent batsman but not quite good enough with the ball.