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England Test coach Brendon McCullum expressed delight at Ben Stokes' bold decision to take an ‘educated punt’ by including Tom Hartley in the first Test of the ongoing five-match series against India in Hyderabad. Despite being targeted by the Indian batters in the initial innings, Hartley turned the tables, playing a key role in England's remarkable victory during the Bazball era. His debut in Test cricket proved unforgettable as England, led by Hartley, staged a remarkable comeback from a 190-run first-innings deficit to clinch a surprising 1-0 lead against India.
Despite conceding 68 runs in his initial 9 overs, Hartley received unwavering support from captain Ben Stokes, who had faith in the left-arm spinner's ability to adapt to the spin-friendly pitch at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Hartley showcased glimpses of his potential by securing two crucial wickets in the first innings.
In Hyderabad, when England posted a total of 420 runs, boosted by Ollie Pope's stellar performance in the second innings, the spotlight shifted to Tom Hartley. The left-arm spinner delivered his finest first-class figures of seven for 62, leading England to a surprising 28-run victory over India in the first Test. Hartley's determined bowling in the second innings dismantled an Indian batting lineup that appeared fragile under pressure.
Despite facing scrutiny over his selection, particularly after his struggles in the first innings, questions lingered about Hartley's suitability for the team. At 24 years old and with limited first-class experience, Hartley's inclusion in the XI raised eyebrows. However, England's faith in him coupled with the spinner's resilience proved doubters wrong.
In an interview with SEN Radio, Brendon McCullum revealed that he and Stokes were impressed by Hartley's character and skillset during their training sessions in Abu Dhabi before their arrival in India. This positive impression led them to take an ‘educated punt’ on the left-arm spinner.
"When he picked Tom, people sort of raised their eyebrows a little bit. But let's not forget, I think this is quite a pertinent point, i think Nathan Lyon played only a handful of first-class cricket and averaged 40-odd before he got picked for Australia and he has gone on to have a fabulous career. I think when you see guys who you think are good enough and you think are going to suit the conditions, it's sort of horses for courses. So you got to back your judgement. He was the guy who we saw a little bit of and we thought would be able to perform in conditions like this. No one ever foresees 7 for 60-odd on debut or 9 for the match," McCullum said.
"Sometimes you got to be a little bit brave with your selection as well. If you like a character and if you like the skillset, and you think he is going to suit the conditions, then it's kind of an educated punt," he added.
'SIGN OF LEADERSHIP'
McCullum commended Ben Stokes's leadership, emphasising that the England captain's faith in Hartley was justified. He further stated that Stokes's support for his spinner demonstrated England's commitment to their strategies and personnel, even in challenging situations.
"He was fantastic. I thought the way the captain Ben Stokes, the way he handled Tom Hartley in the first innings when he bowled him in an extended spell regardless of him being put under pressure by the Indian batters, I thought that was a real sign of leadership," McCullum said.
"Also it was a clear message to not just Tom, but also to those around the squad that when we talk about freedom, when we talk about taking the game on and making a difference, you are not going to be cast aside or taken off the crease at the first sign of danger.
"I thought it was a magnificent decision from the skipper. That allowed Tom to feel he belonged here. He knew what his role was. He came out trumps in the end."
England pulled off one of the most remarkable upsets in recent Indian history by dismissing India for 202 runs in the final innings. McCullum and the England squad will enter the second Test against India with renewed confidence on February 2 in Visakhapatnam.
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