HART PUMPING

Tom fired up to build on success in India

TOM HARTLEY wants to use his potentially “life-changing” Test tour of India as a springboard to become an England regular.

The Lancashire spinner was a surprise choice for the trip.

The selectors backed his high release point, brisk pace and a skiddy trajectory to trump a thin first-class record.

England suffered a 4-1 series defeat, but Hartley more than justified the call. He ended the series as the second-highest wicket-taker with 22, beaten only by India’s ace Ravichandran Ashwin.

The left-armer also sent down more overs than any other bowler as Ben Stokes sent him into action on 250 occasions.

There was an unforgettable high in Hyderabad, where his second-innings haul of 7-62 (celebrating his fifth wicket, inset) delivered one of England’s greatest overseas wins.

Now the 24-year-old is having to adjust his own ambitions as he targets more of the same.

“I know that game will be remembered for a very long time. It probably will be life-changing,” Hartley said. “Every so often I’ll see a clip and I almost have to pinch myself like, ‘Wow, that’s what I did!’.

“Doing what I did has changed my perspective on what sort of player I can be. I’ve got a long way to go and I can still get a lot better – but I know my ceiling has got a lot higher.

“I enjoyed it so much and I just want to keep playing Test cricket.”

Hartley’s star is on the rise as a result of his winter exploits. When he visited South Manchester CC to take part in the ECB’s ‘Get Set Weekend’ – helping volunteers prepare the ground for the new season – he found himself the centre of attention.

Hartley was turning out for Ormskirk in the Liverpool and District Premier League as recently as July 2022 and hopes his rapid rise can motivate others. “It was lovely to help at the club, but it was a bit weird too… so many kids know my name now,” he said. “What happened to me was amazing and I hope it is an inspiration to other cricketers. Things can happen fast if you keep believing.”

Hartley could find his game time limited after Lancashire signed Aussie spinning legend Nathan Lyon, but he is focused on the positives. “Nathan is someone I really want to learn off,” Hartley said.

“He’s a great mentor. Hopefully he’ll have plenty of tips because I’ll be all eyes and ears.”