County spin paradise is the aim for Crane

Hampshire teenager Mason Crane wants to make the Specsavers County Championship forget about seam bowling and become a spin paradise.
Mason Crane Picture: Sarah StandingMason Crane Picture: Sarah Standing
Mason Crane Picture: Sarah Standing

Historically, a spin bowler appearing in early May would be a token gesture, but with the new toss rules home pitches are being prepared with the aim to nullify green seamers and boost batting and turners.

Leg-spinner Crane, 19, believes counties should be promoting the art of spin bowling – and has thanked the law makers for helping his cause.

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Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s County Championship division one clash at Lancashire, Crane said: ‘Championship cricket is all about seam but my challenge is to make it all about spin.

‘There is a place for it and I think it is very important for sides to concentrate on it as you can bowl teams out very quickly with spin.

‘The toss rules have probably helped my cause in terms of bowling in these games and getting more overs in.

‘From the three wickets I’ve seen, they are close to what I expect a Test wicket to be like.

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‘It is important we as a country are gearing people up for Test cricket, bowlers especially so they are not shocked.

‘I think that is good for the game and will bring spin more into it because teams won’t be bowled out in 50 overs through seam.

‘Because of the lack of spin that gets bowled it gives me more of a chance to bowl and take wickets because people don’t face it too often.’

Crane burst into cricket’s conscious last season with his consistent leg breaks baffling batsmen.

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He has drawn praise from all quarters, including Hampshire coach Dale Benkenstein, who branded him ‘world-class’.

Crane refuses to get carried away, but admitted the tribute put a smile on his face.

He said: ‘I’m not world class, I still have a long way to go before I get anywhere near that bracket.

‘I am happy with the direction I am going in and hopefully I get more overs and games under by belt and I’ll be improving all the time.’

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