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England's Crane endures horror Test debut

Mason Crane has returned the worst bowling figures by an Englishman on debut, returning figures of 1-193 in Australia's first innings in the fifth Ashes Test.

England's Mason Crane
England spinner Mason Crane struggled in the heat against Australia at the SCG. (AAP)

Mason Crane has endured a horror introduction to Test cricket after returning the most expensive figures ever by an English debutant.

On an SCG pitch that favoured the tweakers, the rookie legspinner went for 1-193 during Australia's first innings of the fifth Ashes Test.

His figures surpassed Devon Malcolm's 2-166 against Australia at Nottingham in 1989 as the worst ever by an Englishman in his maiden Test.

While Crane and fellow English spinner Moeen Ali (2-170) were hit to all parts of the ground, Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon was more of a handful on day four, taking 2-31 to have his side within reach of victory.

Lyon produced brilliant turn to remove Alastair Cook's off-stump before trapping Dawid Malan lbw to show what the pitch was capable of.

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Crane laboured for 48 overs as he conceded the fifth-most runs ever by a debutant with Australia establishing a decisive 303-run lead.

His return was also the third-most expensive by an Englishman and the third most expensive in an Ashes Test.

Crane, who bowled just three maidens, was only spared further punishment when Australia declared their innings at 7-649 halfway through the second session.

The 20-year-old made one Sheffield Shield appearance for NSW at the SCG 10 months ago.

However, he received no favourable treatment from the Sydney crowd and was booed as he repeatedly failed to release the ball.

On 21 occasions he pulled out of his run up and frequently received a bronx cheer when he did.

His only wicket came on day three when Usman Khawaja charged down the pitch to be stumped by Jonny Bairstow.

He should have dismissed Khawaja earlier that day when he trapped the Australian century-maker lbw but had it taken off him due to a no-ball.


2 min read

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Source: AAP



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