Tom Hartley: Cricketer's mum stunned by Test debut

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Tom HartleyImage source, Reuters
Image caption,

Tom Hartley took seven wickets for just 62 runs in England first Test against India

The family of England spinner Tom Hartley said they were "unbelievably proud" after he helped inspire victory over India on his Test debut.

Hartley, who honed his skills at Ormskirk Cricket Club, took seven wickets for just 62 runs in Hyderabad.

His figures are the best for a debutant English spinner since the 1930s.

Hartley's mum, Ann-Louise, said the family was "stunned and amazed" at his performance while sister Annabelle said it was a "rollercoaster" watching him.

Speaking from the family's horticultural business in Maghull, Merseyside - where the 24-year-old Lancashire player sometimes helps out - they said it was "just incredible" and they were "unbelievably proud" of him.

"I don't think words can do it justice of how proud we are of him," Annabelle told BBC North West Tonight.

"None of us could have imagined that the past four days would've happened the way that they have."

Image caption,

It has been an absolute rollercoaster, says the cricketer's sister Annabelle Hartley

However, they said watching the match was nerve-racking.

"We were a bit unwell yesterday with the heart rates soaring," Annabelle said.

"It's been an absolute rollercoaster.

"I think we've all laughed we've all cried. Dad's been pacing up and down the living room," she said.

Annabelle added: "We were sporty kids so he was always going to be doing something with sport.

"He has always had the ability, but I think we didn't quite realise how good he was until yesterday."

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