CHANGE OF HART
Spinner Tom has turned a corner
TOM HARTLEY believes his Test tour of India could be a “life-changing” experience as he plots a path from international newcomer to England regular.
The Lancashire spinner was a gutfeel selection for the trip, with his high release point, brisk pace and skiddy trajectory trumping a thin first-class record.
Despite losing the series 4-1, Hartley more than justified the call.
Ending the series as the second top wicket-taker with 22, beaten only by the masterful Ravichandran Ashwin
(inset), the left-armer also sent down more overs than anyone else.
There was an unforgettable high in Hyderabad, where his secondinnings haul of 7-62 delivered one of England’s greatest overseas victories, and the 24-year-old is beginning 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,” said Hartley.
“Every so often I’ll see a clip and I’m still surprised. I almost have to pinch myself like, ‘Wow, that’s what I did!.’
“My mum went out the day after and bought every paper going, so I’ve got a little folder which will be nice to look back on one day.
“But doing what I did has changed my perspective on what sort of player I can be. I’ve got a long way to go but I know my ceiling has got a lot higher.
“I enjoyed it so much and I just want to want to keep playing Test cricket.”
Hartley has already noticed his profile growing as a result of his winter exploits. He made the short journey from Old Trafford to South Manchester CC to take part in the ECB’s ‘Get Set Weekend,’ helping other volunteers prepare the ground for the new season, and found himself the star attraction for a host of aspiring club players. Hartley was turning out for Ormskirk in the Liverpool and District Premier League as recently as July 2022 and hopes his rapid rise through the ranks can motivate more to make the same journey.
“It was lovely to get down and help out, but it was a bit weird too… so many kids know my name now, everyone had heard of what I did,” he said. “What happened to me was so amazing and I hope that is an inspiration to other cricketers.”
In the short term, Hartley faces a fresh challenge from Nathan Lyon.
The Australia great has signed an allformat deal with Lancashire this summer, which could squeeze the Englishman out of the side at the start of the season.
“Of course it’s tough to play two spinners but Nathan is someone I really want to learn off,” he said.