England spinner Tom Hartley hopes India will put more “respect” on his name after he bowled his team to a remarkable victory on his Test debut in Hyderabad.
Hartley posted figures of 7-62 in India’s second innings, the best recorded by an England spinner on debut since 1933, as Ben Stokes’ team sealed a stunning victory on day four of the opener.
Taking full advantage of the extra half-hour of play, England completed one of the most memorable away wins in their history, triumphing by 28 runs after finding themselves with a 190-run first-innings deficit.
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Hartley’s heroic second innings came after he went 2-131 in the first, India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal belting his first delivery in Test cricket for a six as the England man leaked 63 runs in his first nine overs with the ball.
Speaking to BBC Sport about his recovery following a tough first day, Hartley said: “I felt ready for it. I know my ability on spinning wickets. I knew I could do well.
“I was so nervous that first day. Then it was frustration that I was the bowler getting picked on, I was thinking whether this was going to be the story for the whole series.
“I’ve been hit for a lot of sixes in my career, so I don’t let these things get on top of me. The background I’ve had is to not let yourself get down. I just want to be a fighter and throw some punches back.”
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Having inflicted what was just India’s fourth defeat in their last 47 home Tests, Hartley believes the hosts will be far more wary of his talents in the second Test, which begins on Thursday.
“To come out in the fourth innings and do what I did, hopefully they can put a bit more respect on my name and go forward from there,” said Hartley.
“Coming out here, I was just looking to get a game or a couple of games. I might now have a big role, but I’m more than ready for that. I want more of it.”
