Crane receives New South Wales call-up

The 20-year-old former Lancing College pupil has been called into the squad ahead of the Sydney side’s Sheffield Shield match with South Australia at the SCG.

Hampshire leg-spinner Crane, who came through the ranks at Worthing Cricket Club, has impressed during his spell as an ECB overseas placement player.

Crane has made a number of appearances for Gordon Cricket Club in Sydney Grade games, while also producing some good spells in the nets with New South Wales.

Former Australia international leg-spinner Stuart MacGill has also been working with Crane over the course of the winter.

Should the 20-year-old make the starting XI for tomorrow's match, he would be the first from foreign shores to play fro New South Wales since former Pakistan captain Imran Khan back in the 1984-85 season.

ECB’s lead spin-bowling coach Peter Such believes it would be a massive achievement for Crane should he play in the four-day match.

He said: “It’s a fantastic achievement for Mason. Australian state teams don’t tend to pick overseas players lightly, especially New South Wales, as the records show.

“He’s managed to force his way through with a weight of wickets, while making an impression during some practice sessions with New South Wales.

“Mason has excelled in grade cricket for Gordon taking a seven-wicket haul in three consecutive games.

“These performances have him as the leading wicket-taker in the competition and he’s really impressed.”

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