‘I bowl very similar to…’ – England spinner makes bold claim ahead of five-match series against India

Young England spinner Tom Hartley has made a confident claim, hinting that he is ready for the challenge against India when they tour for the five-match series starting on January 25. The 24-year-old will be Ben Stokes and Co’s trump card on the spin-friendly Indian pitches. Hartley claimed that his bowling style is similar to star Indian spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel.

The upcoming series will play a crucial role in the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for both teams. India have a remarkable Test record at home and causing an upset to them will not be an easy task for the visitors. Although England are yet to announce their final squad, Hartley is a confirmed choice, surprising many. The left-arm spinner has played two ODIs but is yet to make his debut in Test cricket.

“With the conditions being completely different to English conditions, they’ve really analysed what has done well in India and what will do well. It’s nice to see people recognise that I might be the bowler to go out in India and do well. When people have confidence in you like that, it’s fantastic. I just feel all that confidence has been passed on to me and I can’t wait to go out there. My stats might not be the best in championship cricket but I bowl very similar to Axar [Patel] and [Ravindra] Jadeja,” Hartley said.

I see a lot of similarities between my white-ball bowling: Hartley 

Tom Hartley made his first-class debut in 2020 and has modest statistics – 40 wickets in 20 matches at an average of 36.57. In the previous year’s County Championship, he took 19 wickets at an average of 44.8. With Jack Leach playing as the leading spinner, Hartley will have to play a supporting role, which will take the pressure off him.

“They’re taking a bit of a punt but I feel like I’ve proved myself in the training camps that I’ve been on and I deserve to get a go. Although I haven’t played much cricket out there, I’m going with a feeling of what I need to bowl. I see a lot of similarities between my white-ball bowling here and red-ball bowling out there,” Hartley said.

“I feel like the pace, the revs you want to put on it and the shape of the ball will be very similar to white-ball areas – you just want to bowl that little bit fuller. As much as Indian batters are good players of spin, the conditions should be in my favour,” he concluded.