Crane is on real high thanks to MacGill
TURNING the ball sideways, striking up a friendship with a legspin legend and amassing three consecutive seven-wicket hauls – Mason Crane’s Aussie adventure could hardly be going better.
Like many young English cricketers, Crane is wintering Down Under – playing for Gordon District CC in Sydney – but unlike many others, the 19-year-old Hampshire leggie is destroying Aussie batting line-ups for fun.
And the man he credits is Stuart MacGill, perhaps the unluckiest spinner in modern Test cricket history. Had he been from any other country, or born in any other era, MacGill and his often unplayable leg-breaks would surely have at least doubled his tally of 208 Test wickets.
Unfortunately, he was just 18 months younger than the great Shane Warne, and trying to break into an Australia side that seldom had any interest in fielding two wrist-spinners.
But the 45-year-old’s ability and expertise is undeniable, and he has inspired England’s latest great leg-spin hope.
“I’ve been working with Stuart MacGill at least twice a week here in Sydney and it has all started to click for me,” said Crane, who made his Hampshire debut in 2015.
“He’s been unbelievable. Anyone with his sort of experience is invaluable and when you look at how he bowled – he was amazing.
“I feel we’ve become good friends. It’s not just coaching, there is a real friendship outside of training – he’s been brilliant.
“He’s helped me work on my shape and my spin, so I’m really happy with how that’s going.
“Hopefully, after a few more weeks with Stuart, I can continue to improve when I get back to the UK. I’ve learned some pretty important things, so going away for a whole winter has been really beneficial.”
First-grade cricket, which Crane believes is comparable to county 2nd XI standard in England, has seemingly been a breeze for the teenager.
Crane has taken 44 wickets at an average of less than 20 in ten appearances for Gordon – who were recommended to him by Hampshire team-mate Will Smith following his stint with the club last winter.
That includes 7-93 against Mosman, 7-116 against North Sydney and 7-53 against Sydney in his last three appearances; something of a new experience for the talented youngster.
“I haven’t taken many seven-fors at this sort of standard,” admitted Crane, who will play in the North-South Series and for the MCC in the UAE next month.
“It has been great. I understand what the club is about and they understand me.
“I’m getting loads of overs in, I’ve got a lot of confidence and the ball is coming out really well. I’ve improved as a bowler and it will stand me in good stead when I’m back home.”
TCP VERDICT
In a time where England have been struggling for quality spin bowlers, Mason Crane’s name has been talked about by many. Perhaps now, albeit still early in his career, he is showing the ability that plenty know he has. Of course, it’s going to take a successful year or two playing county cricket before he is fully considered for England, but don’t count against him wearing an England cap one day.