Hartley hails Crowe impact, looks ahead to fifth India Test
Lancashire spin star Tom Hartley has hailed the impact of Carl Crowe on his burgeoning career as the assistant coach bids farewell to Emirates Old Trafford.
Crowe is leaving after five seasons in the North West, the last two as assistant coach. The former Leicestershire off-spinner is leaving to pursue other coaching opportunities.
But the 48-year-old heads for pastures new with a glowing tribute from a man who he has helped elevate to the very top of the game in Hartley.
The left-armer is currently in India with England’s Test squad, who are preparing for the fifth and final Test in a series which currently sits at 3-1 to the hosts ahead of Thursday’s finale.
The series certainly hasn’t been as one-sided as the scoreline may suggest, with many an England player enhancing their reputations. Ormskirk’s Hartley is chief amongst them.
He has taken 20 wickets in four Tests so far, including a career best 7-62 in the opener at Hyderabad in January, which England went on to win.
Speaking from Dharamshala, Hartley said: “I wouldn’t be where I am without Carl, so I can’t give him enough praise.
“He’s been huge for me. He first started working with us pretty much when I first signed for the club, and he’s really matured me into the bowler I am today.
“It will be sad to see him go, but he will always be there for me. As a group of spinners at the club, we’ve almost become like a second family.
“He’s a great man to talk to, especially for white ball cricket. He’s been to a lot of these big tournaments, and he’s got another opportunity.
“He knows what it takes to get to the top and what skills you have to develop.”
As Lancashire’s squad prepares to jet out to Dubai and then Bangalore later this week for a fortnight-long pre-season tour, Hartley and Red Rose team-mate Jimmy Anderson will be heading the other way for some well earned rest and recuperation ahead of the start of the county season next month.
And veteran seamer Anderson could be heading home having become only the third man in Test history - and the first seamer - to take 700 career wickets in that format.
He is just two away from joining Lancashire legend Muttiah Muralitharan and the late, great Shane Warne in an exclusive club.
If selected to play the fifth Test, you would certainly back Anderson to get there over the next week.
And Hartley added: “It will be fantastic.
“Jimmy is looking in great nick, and he’s done a lot to make sure he can get to that milestone.
“It will be a very proud moment for him and us all.”
You can read more from Tom Hartley in an in-depth interview in the upcoming Spin Magazine which will be released to Members ahead of the new season.
2024 Memberships: On Sale Now
Never Miss a Moment by joining the Red Rose Family. We have membership options to suit supporters of all types with a range of exclusive benefits.