'I’m Similar To Axar and Jadeja...', ENG Spinner Warns India With Bold Claim Before Test Series
Hartley is keen to make a mark in India. (X.com)
England's left-arm spinner Tom Hartley is eager to contribute to the team's success in the upcoming Test series against India, drawing parallels between his bowling style and that of Indian spinners Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja.
The five-Test series is set to begin on January 25 in Hyderabad, and Hartley is part of the 16-member squad named by England.
Despite his modest first-class record of 40 wickets at 36.57 in 20 appearances, the 24-year-old believes his unique attributes, including a height of 6ft 4, add a different dimension to England's bowling attack.
Hartley expressed confidence in his skills and said he bowls very similarly to Axar Patel and Jadeja. Despite acknowledging the risk England is taking by selecting him, he feels he has proven himself in training camps and deserves the opportunity.
"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 told PA News.
Having only visited India once with Lancashire four years ago, Hartley's recent participation in an England Lions training camp in Abu Dhabi has given him confidence ahead of the challenging series.
Under the guidance of former England spinner Graeme Swann, Hartley is preparing to face top Indian batters such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul.
He emphasises the need to stay relaxed and minimize emotional responses during play, focusing on simplicity and keeping the stumps in play. While recognising the quality of India's spinners, Hartley highlights the determination and fight within the England team.
"As much as Indian's batters are good players of spin, the conditions should be in my favour. You've just got to try not to over-complicate things and keep things simple and keep the stumps in play," Hartley further said.
England's decision to include Hartley in the squad is based on the expectation that he can adapt well to India's spinning surfaces, similar to how Axar Patel troubled them during the 2021 Test tour.
Hartley is one of two uncapped spinners in England's squad, alongside Somerset's Shoaib Bashir. They join seasoned spinner Jack Leach and teenage all-rounder Rehan Ahmed in the spin department for the upcoming series.
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