Since Lancashire spin bowling coach Carl Crowe first met Tom Hartley, a consistent ritual has unfolded in their interactions. After engaging in discussions on various topics, their conversations inevitably shift towards spin bowling, culminating in a thorough examination of footage featuring Ravindra Jadeja. Occasionally, they even share Instagram reels showcasing the all-rounder’s skills in bamboozling batsmen. Prior to the ongoing tour in India, the duo extensively studied videos of Axar Patel.
Initially viewed as a backup to the primary left-arm spinner, Jack Leach, Hartley’s role gained significance during two trips to the UAE in December and January. The first with England Lions and the second accompanying the senior team for a pre-series camp proved to be transformative. In the initial Test in Hyderabad, despite seeming out of place in the first innings, Hartley delivered a standout performance with figures of 7/62 in the second innings, playing a pivotal role in England’s victory.
Unlike many English spinners, Hartley adopts a non-side-on run-up, and his approach to the stumps can be swift. Notably, he tends to refrain from giving the ball much flight. Surprisingly, these traits worked to his advantage in the Indian conditions, complementing his reliance on revs. This is why Hartley and Crowe have been meticulously studying footage of India’s spin duo for an extended period.
“We extensively study Jadeja and Axar, particularly in terms of their speed variations and their approach to bowling across different conditions. Their ability to maintain consistency with a repeatable action is notable. Our aim is not to mimic their styles but to understand the factors contributing to their success. This knowledge is then incorporated into Hartley’s bowling,” Crowe explains.
One crucial insight gained is the effectiveness of a straight delivery in spin-friendly conditions, proving as lethal as a sharply turning one. Jadeja and Axar often rely on this tactic to deceive batsmen, leading them to be either trapped in front or losing their stumps. “On such pitches, these deliveries are crucial. While the delivery to KS Bharat (bowled by a big-turning ball in the second innings) was indeed special, we found the one to Rohit Sharma more enjoyable as it moved in with the angle. These subtle variations are key to staying competitive in the game,” Crowe emphasizes.
Willing to learn
Crowe is well aware that the conditions in India played a significant role in Tom Hartley’s success. Having been part of the support staff for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the past, Crowe shares insights gained from his stint, contributing to Hartley’s understanding of the subcontinent conditions. “He is a highly coachable player, always eager to discuss and learn about spin. His commitment extends beyond net sessions, showing a craft-oriented approach even off the field. A few seasons ago, during Washington Sundar’s presence, Tom spent valuable time with him, picking up key insights,” adds Crowe.
Despite Hartley being hit around the park in the first innings and returning with figures of 1/131 in 25 overs, the Lancashire team back home remained unfazed. “Certainly, Test cricket is always challenging. However, we were confident that he would bounce back quickly, as that’s what he’s accustomed to doing here. At Old Trafford, where we have a short boundary on one side, Hartley consistently volunteers to bowl from the end with the shorter leg-side boundary during white-ball games. His level-headedness and relaxed demeanor are standout qualities, crucial for a spinner,” Crowe remarks.
Despite featuring in top-tier cricket in England, another noteworthy aspect of Hartley, as highlighted by Crowe, is his steadfast connection to his roots. Hailing from the Ormskirk Cricket Club, a small team on the west side of Lancashire, he maintains his membership despite representing the Red Rose county.
As the son of Bill Hartley, a former European Championship gold medallist in the 4x400m relay, Hartley remains grounded during the off-season, dedicating time to the family’s nursery and tending to plants on a daily basis.
“He has inherited many qualities from his father,” Mark Chilton, Lancashire’s director of cricket, mentions. “Coming from a family that understands the demands of being a high-performance athlete has greatly influenced him. His father’s impact is particularly evident when he faces adversity. Even in high-pressure moments, he never wavers,” adds Chilton.
Rapid improvement
During his tenure at Lancashire, initially as a coach and now as a director, Chilton has witnessed Hartley’s evolution. In the early stages, especially at the age-group levels, there were doubts about whether Hartley would progress beyond the youth team. Chilton mentions that he just about made it to the academy, but a positive transformation was on the horizon.
Despite participating in rugby and football during his formative years, cricket became Hartley’s primary passion later on. “His development was relatively late. Even after leaving school, he wasn’t the player he eventually became. However, at the age of 19-20, he embarked on a tour to Australia during the winter to play club cricket in their summer. He returned as a transformed cricketer, establishing himself from that point onward. During our pre-season tour to Dubai, he showcased the extent of his growth as a spinner, continually improving and refining his skills,” Chilton elaborates.
Despite making a strong start to his Test career, there’s a significant possibility that, when the county season commences in a few months, Hartley might not secure a spot in Lancashire’s XI. With the addition of Australia’s Nathan Lyon as one of their overseas professionals, Hartley may find himself on the bench. This predicament is not unique for spinners in England. Historically, after successful tours to India, even with promising performances, inexperienced spinners often fade away from the Test side during the summer season.
Chilton acknowledges the challenges within the county system for spinner development. “At least at Old Trafford, there will be times when conditions favor spinners, but in many counties, spinners struggle to secure a spot in the XI. With Lyon joining, we believe it will be a valuable experience for Hartley. Even if he doesn’t play, I’m confident he will gain significant learning opportunities from the training sessions,” Chilton remarks.
