CRANE TO LIFT GAME
FIFTH TEST Moeen to miss out for Mason
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ENGLAND coach Trevor Bayliss is sure Mason Crane has “got the goods” to make it in Test cricket.
Crane could replace the underperforming Moeen Ali in the final Ashes Test in Sydney, which starts tomorrow night.
Spinner Moeen’s confidence with the ball looks at rock bottom, with just three wickets at 135 apiece.
And while Bayliss and England’s team management are wary about wielding the axe, they also believe Sydney could be the perfect place to blood Crane. Wales Premier Division last March
“It will be a tricky decision and to become the first overseas player we will have to have a bit of a chat since Imran Khan in the mid 80s to about it this week, but with Mason, play Sheffield Shield cricket for there’s maybe no time like the NSW. And while he was a present,” said Bayliss. touch on the expensive
“We think he’s a side, bowling just over 27 guy that has got the overs for 116, he took goods and the more five wickets to help his he plays at this level, side to victory. the better he will get. Crane would weaken
“You have got to start England with the somewhere and with the bat, however, which series lost it gives us an makes any possible opportunity to look at some omission of different people.” Moeen (left) a worry.
Crane was plucked from Bayliss appeared to grade cricket in suggest that while the the New South all-rounder might continue to struggle with the ball, he remains a potential match-winner with the bat, although he is averaging just 19.42 in the four Tests to date.
Bayliss said: “Like any player, you go through highs and lows and at the moment the number of runs and wickets makes it one of his lows.
“But just a couple of months ago we were singing his praises as one of the best all-rounders in the world.
“Conditions are a bit different here and it’s taken him longer than he would have liked to feel comfortable. Mo is a free spirit and one or two shots or wickets and he will be off and running. So I’m not concerned long term.”