Mason Crane's star is on the rise.
The 20-year-old spinner, who played for Gordon in NSW's grade competition before turning out for the Blues last season, made his international T20 debut for England overnight in their nine-wicket win over South Africa.
The Hampshire leggie finished with 0-24 off his four overs and bowled just one bad ball, a full toss to opposition captain AB de Villiers which was dispatched to the boundary.
He earned high praise from both England skipper Eoin Morgan and de Villiers.
"We know he has the potential and skill level, he has proved that at county level. It is about reigniting that form at international level and having the mindset to stay in the moment," Morgan said of Crane.
"It worked today and obviously there are very good signs. His skills are good, we know that, it is delivering them against (players like) De Villiers, who is one of the best of our generation - delivering against him is a task especially when he is coming after you.
"The challenge for him now is if people counter him, how he comes back from it? But they are really good signs for a player coming in."
De Villiers said he and his teammates had let the newcomer off the hook on occasion.
"I picked his deliveries but he did pretty well for a youngster," said de Villiers.
"He must have been under pressure playing in a packed stadium against our best players. He has definitely got some skill and it is nice to see some of the youngsters like that coming through."
South Africa posted 3-142 in their 20 overs with de Villiers unbeaten on 65 and Farhaan Behardien (64) top scoring.
England replied with 1-143 off 14.3 overs with Jonny Bairstow (60no) and Alex Hales (47no) steering the hosts to a commanding victory.
Share
