January 28, 2024, is a day that will be remembered for remarkable comebacks. After the West Indies pulled off a historic win at the Gabba and Ollie Pope scored a career-best 196, Tom Hartley claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket on his debut.
After being thrashed in his opening spell in Test cricket (63 runs in 9 overs) and people doubting if he belongs in the Test arena, Tom Hartley has roared back with a crucial and potentially match-winning performance.
Taking the ball on Day 4 of the IND vs ENG 1st Test, Hartley seemed no short on confidence despite previous drubbing. He sent the top three back into the hut and reduced India to 63-3.
Tom Hartley stuns India with a remarkable comeback
He got Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal caught at short leg owing to some brilliance by Ollie Pope. The orthodox left-arm spinner then set up Indian skipper Rohit Sharma beautifully. After spinning the ball from the same spot a couple of times, he bowled a straighter one that wrapped him on the pads.
From then on, the momentum shifted in England’s favor. He returned and sent all-rounder Axar Patel back, and England was on top with India down four and still needing 135 to win.
The hosts became very tentative from there on and were reduced to 119-7, with Root getting KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja getting run out and Shreyas Iyer falling to Jack Leach.
Hartley then returned and broke a 57-run stand between Ravichandran Ashwin and KS Bharat to take his side an inch closer to a historic victory.
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