World Cup frustration for spinner Mason

England exited the competition at the quarter-final stage after falling to a six-wicket defeat to Sri Lanka.

West Indies were the eventual winners after they overcame India in the final and that provided more frustration for Crane.

England had beaten West Indies by 61 runs in the group stage and the Worthing and Hampshire leg-spinner felt his side should have progressed further than the last eight.

He said: “I think it was a disappointing competition for us. We went into it thinking we could win but it wasn’t to be.

“We beat the eventual winners, West Indies, comfortably in our group but came up short in the quarter-finals. I guess that’s tournament cricket and something we will all learn from.”

On a personal note, the Hampshire leg-spinner picked up seven wickets from his six games in the competition. That included a tournament best of three for three against Namibia but Crane felt his bowling was a little up and down.

He added: “I was happy with the way I bowled but there is always room for improvement. I felt at times I could have bowled a little better but otherwise I did quite well.”

Crane’s attention will now turn to trying to book a consistent place with county side Hampshire in the new season.

He will be part of the side’s pre-season trip to Barbados in March and is hoping he can be in the management’s thoughts come the new campaign.

Crane said: “We have got a pre-season tour to Barbados to come next month and I just want to perform well in that. I’m nearly 19, so know chances may be hard to come by but I just want to continue to prove myself.

“Last season went really well for me and I want to keep making progress.”

Hampshire team-mate and fellow spinner Liam Dawson was selected in the England T20 squad ahead of the upcoming World Cup in India next month.

With former Hampshire spinner Danny Briggs, now at Sussex, also being involved with England in recent times, Crane believes this gives him hope going forward.

He added: “I texted Liam as soon as I heard he got the call up. He’s a good spinner and I’m pleased he got selected.

“Being involved with England at any level is fantastic.

“I’ve had a taste with the under-19s and want a senior call one day.”

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