Reports: Tom Hartley in contention for T20 World Cup as England seek spin options

Keeping the spin-friendly surfaces of the West Indies in mind, England are preparing Tom Hartley for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which is slated to begin on June 1. Adil Rashid remains their go-to option but Hartley seems to be winning the race as the second spinner. Wrist spinner Rehan Ahmed is also in contention but England want to bring some variety to their spin attack, which puts Hartley ahead in the race.

However, the 24-year-old has not made his debut in the shortest format of the game. Rehan, on the other hand, has played seven T20I matches and has picked up nine wickets at an average of 25.33. He along with Rashid has done well for the Three Lions in the limited matches that they have played as the management was happy with their performance.

Despite so, as per The Telegraph, England are slightly inclined towards Hartley as he provides variety and is a left-arm spinner, which is a good option to have in T20I cricket. Meanwhile, as things stand, the think tank can select all three spinners for the mega tournament, given the support spinners will get in the tournament.

Notably, to add more positives to Hartley’s book, left-arm spinners have a tremendous record in the West Indies. Overall, the surfaces in Antigua, St Lucia and Barbados have historically favoured the spinners and are likely to continue the same way. This can motivate England to pick all three spinners for the tournament, giving rest to any of the pacers.

Meanwhile, Hartley has played 82 T20 matches in his career and has picked up 68 wickets at an average of 26.47. He is also a good option with the bat down the order as the 24-year-old has shown his pedigree during the five-match Test series against India. 

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On the other hand, Moeen Ali too remains an option with the ball. He has a terrific record in the shortest format and is in constant touch, which might eventually force England to pick two specialist spinners and the other one might travel with the squad as a net bowler.