Crane lifted by his freak wicket
MASON Crane instantly knew as soon as he bowled out Somerset and South Africa opening batsman Dean Elgar that he would receive a lot of attention on social media.
The 20-year-old leg-spinner cleaned up for Hampshire against Somerset, taking 5-40 at Taunton to help secure a 90-run victory.
But his bizarre dismissal of Elgar took all the headlines after his delivery bounced twice before clattering into the stumps, leaving Elgar completely bamboozled.
Not only did the delivery take a second bounce at Elgar’s feet but Crane was able to produce some serious turn which caught the South African completely by surprise.
Dropping to his haunches after the delivery, Crane could not believe what he had produced and has labelled the delivery a “freak”.
The talented spinner said: “I was stunned at what had happened – it is not the way you expect to get out Dean Elgar but I will take it.
“It was a complete freak. I was trying to get a bit more spin and it just came out completely wrong. I tried to change last minute but it ended up pitching halfway down the track.
“I cannot say that I meant for that to happen and it is not the finest way to get someone out but they all count.
“I think Elgar was a bit unlucky not to connect with it as he went for the pull shot. I have had plenty of filthy wickets in my time but nothing like that.”
Shocked by what he had done, Crane’s Hampshire teammates congratulated the young spinner on his unorthodox dismissal.
“One of the lads came up to me while we were in a huddle and said ‘that will be all over social media’ and sure enough it has,” the spinner said.
“I have had notifications from all over the world about it, including a few from Australia. My phone hasn’t really stopped, it’s crazy. It’s probably not the best way to get yourself recognised but I am happy that it helped the side win the match.
“I tried to recreate it in training the other day and it didn’t come off so I don’t think I will be attempting it again any time soon! I think it will be just a one-off.”
Despite having a fine spell with New South Wales in Australia last winter, Crane has found it tough to break into the Hampshire side.
“We have some great spinners, including Liam Dawson who has been in amazing form lately. I just have to keep giving my all and hopefully opportunities keep coming up.
“I am happy with my contribution to the team in the one-day matches and it was great to help the team win at Taunton last weekend.
“I struggled in the first innings and the pressure was on the spinners in the second innings because it’s a turning pitch down there. Thankfully we managed to pull it off.
“I am still only 20 years old so I must keep proving myself at county level and we will see where that goes.”