The experienced Tom Hartley, the left-arm spinner, is set to return. Frequently dubbed as England’s lost man of 2024, he is set to come back into the frame for international cricket. The 26-year-old cricketer has continued to live under the spotlight after 7-62 on his Test debut. He gave a brilliant display in England’s second innings of the match. He was the highest wicket-taker on England’s winter tour to India.
Hartley’s journey has not been without challenges. His time in the side was restricted due to a broken hand after being struck by a bouncer, suffered in the England Lions’ tour of Australia. Despite this disappointment, he more than proved his worth, with his potential obliterating records as he took nine wickets in his team’s triumph in Hyderabad in January 2024. He has been included in the party for the one-day international series against the West Indies. Soon, he could have the opportunity to add an England cap back to his wardrobe.
Given his recent run of form with Lancashire, it’s been very encouraging, and Hartley attributes his success to plenty of experience and practice. “If my on-field wasn’t going well I would have to change things, but I am doing all right on the field at the minute so it must be helping me,” he stated.
Hartley, commonly referred to as mini Axar Patel of India, is a firm believer of holistic development. With pace, he thinks being able to adapt is key to being a successful bowler. “You don’t realize you are learning but you are, always,” he shared. Even so, he admits that experience is important—especially when it comes time to dealing with varying pitch conditions, fare like this. “You need that experience and game knowledge,” he added.
That connection to his family’s roots, carried in Hartley’s blood, ground him and keep him humble—even when the roar of the sport threatens to drown it out. He spends his weekends wandering the damp, shaded aisles of Hartley’s Nurseries, a sixth-generation family business famous for its perennials. This double life keeps him rooted and serves as an effective buffer for the madness of cricket’s feverish heights. “It settles me on the field knowing there is something for me there after cricket and it takes the pressure off a little bit,” he explained.
He understands what it means to put in hard work and be dedicated. His dad Bill Hartley is a former European Championship gold medallist in the 4x400m relay. His passion for the game and family entrepreneurship is reflected in his daily schedule. “It is a 5am or 5:30am wake-up, walk the dogs, water the plants and then set up jobs for the staff,” he described about his typical day.
Looking back on his cricket career, Hartley was most thankful for his debut accomplishment. “To say you have a Test five-for on debut is something you can always fall back on,” he remarked. He’s still intently focused on getting better and adjusting to the game as it changes so quickly.
He knows that the competition is intense inside the squad, giving him the ability to self-critique. “Sometimes you look at why you are not being picked and the people who are being picked and think ‘if I do that maybe that will help me get back in,’ he said. But he makes a conscious effort to remember what he can do that is unusual. This is why personally I have to say ‘that is not me.’
As Hartley looks ahead to the next ODI series with West Indies, his eyes are firmly, and excitingly, on the future. His stated goal, to keep his runs conceded down while striking and taking wickets is, he feels, a crucial strategy in white-ball cricket. I’m a purist and don’t like running in white-ball, to be honest. He claimed, “If I am bowling six runs an over or under, I would guarantee that I’ll take one or two wickets.”
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