Hartley breaks Shield wicketkeeping record

Queensland's Chris Hartley has broken the record for the most Sheffield Shield dismissals for a wicketkeeper, claiming his 547th dismissal.

Chris Hartley has broken the Sheffield Shield record for the most dismissals by a wicketkeeper, eclipsing Darren Berry's mark of 546.

After drawing level with the Victorian on Thursday, Hartley secured his 547th dismissal when he caught Tasmanian Simon Milenko, after he attempted to drive Michael Neser.

It took him ahead of the legendary Bushrangers' gloveman, with whom he shares a history dating back to Hartley's rookie season.

Hartley played just the second match of his career in the 2003-04 Shield final at the MCG, which also acted as a swan song for the retiring Berry.

And while Hartley joked on Thursday that although the pair didn't get off on the right foot, he credited him with helping him become the seasoned veteran he is today.

"He made my life particularly difficult in my second game" Hartley said.

"Just letting me know as a youngster I was up against it.

"Those are the things that shape you as a player.

"It shows them what it takes to compete out in the middle."

But 13 years later, the 125-game veteran expects a congratulatory call from his former nemesis, revealing the pair had kept in touch since as fellow members of the 'keepers club.

"He's a massive fan of the art of wicketkeeping," Hartley said of Berry.

"It doesn't matter if you are fierce competitors.

"Wicketkeepers tend to keep an eye on each other."

Hartley has made a triumphant return from a broken finger that sidelined him for the entire Big Bash League campaign.

Aside from breaking the 'keeping record at the Gabba clash, he also hit 102 not out to ensure an eventual 205-run first-innings lead for the Bulls.

His form is timely as Australian wicketkeeper Matthew Wade battles a back complaint ahead of the demanding tour of India.

Hartley, now 34, still adopts a "never say never" approach to Australian selection.

The closest he got to a baggy green was playing a two-day 2009 Ashes tour match as a last minute injury replacement.

"(Brad) Haddin and (Graham) Manou were injured and I just happened to be playing (England) league cricket at the time," Hartley said of his brush with the baggy green.

"I had a weekend of seeing what it is like to be a part of it, to see someone like Ricky Ponting prepare at his peak.

"I got a 48 hour window into what it takes to be the best in the world and that helped develop my cricket."


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Source: AAP



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