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'Jaiswal Not The First One..' - Tom Hartley Opens Up On Hyderabad Turnaround

image-lrzzvemvHartley was electrifying in Hyderabad Test [AP]

Tom Hartley laid bare his realistic outlook and spoke of how he was merely hoping "to get a game" when he travelled to India for the marquee Test series. The England left-arm spin debutant, who fashioned a tremendous turnaround and win for the tourists in Hyderabad, said he was keen to make a mark if given the opportunity. 

Hartley, who was picked for the Test series despite a poor first-class record since his tall release and skiddy nature suited the Indian pitches, endured a heavy battering and criticism in the first half but by the end of Sunday he was England's hero, delivering 7 for 62 to trigger the Indian downfall. 

A remarkable turnaround embodying the current England side's spirits and skills had the tweaker running through the same Indian batter line-up that subjected him to figures of 2 for 131 in just 25 overs of play, with opener Yashasvi Jaiswal especially going after him consistently. 


Hartley Opens Up On Special Hyderabad Comeback 

"He (Jaiswal) is not the first, and he won't be the last (to attack me). As a spinner, people are going to come after you. I'm fine with it if people want to come after me. I sort of have to go into a different mindset," Hartley was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. 

Hartley said once he earned a selection in absence of off-spinner Shoaib Bashir who arrived late due to logistical issues, he realised he will have a big role to play. The 24-year-old Lancashire bowler also explained the change he made to his run-up and release for a turnaround in the second innings. 

"Coming out here, I was just looking to get a game or a couple of games. I might have a big role, but I'm more than ready for that. I want more of it. When you're playing for the first time you just run up that bit quick. And you think, well, just slow things down, let your action do the work," the left-arm tweaker added.

The challenge for Hartley will be to continue in this vein heading deeper into the series against Indian batters who will come up prepared to tackle him better. The next Test of the five-match series kickstarts on February 2 in Visakhapatnam.