Mason Sidney Crane, born on 18 February 1997, is an English professional cricket player hailing from England. Known for his impressive skills as a legspinner, Crane began his journey in cricket at a young age, drawing inspiration from the legendary Australian cricketer Shane Warne during the iconic 2005 Ashes series.
Growing up as an only child, Crane’s passion for cricket blossomed as he watched the captivating performances of Warne. At just eight years old, he made up his mind to become a legspinner, setting his sights on achieving greatness in the sport. However, his journey was not without its challenges.
When Sussex, his home county, left him out of their Under-14 squad, it could have been a discouraging setback for many youngsters. Nonetheless, Crane’s fortune changed when he became a pupil at Lancing College, where he had the privilege of being coached by Raj Maru, a former Hampshire left-arm spinner and a member of the county academy. Under Maru’s guidance, along with the help of Darren Flint, the Hampshire academy spin coach, Crane’s talent began to flourish.
Soon, his hard work paid off as he earned call-ups to represent England at the Under-17 and Under-19 levels. Crane’s skills were further honed when he made his debut for Hampshire’s 1st XI against Surrey at the Ageas Bowl, where he impressed by dismissing the likes of Kumar Sangakkara and Vikram Solanki.
In his second season, Crane faced more challenges, although he still managed to secure 31 wickets in the Championship, with only Ryan McLaren surpassing his tally. While he was underutilized in the T20 Blast, Crane asserted himself in the Royal London Cup, leaving a lasting impact.
To enhance his skills, Crane planned a winter training program with Stuart MacGill, the former Australian legspinner, in Sydney. The experience proved fruitful, as Crane’s exceptional performances for Gordon CC in Australia led to a call-up to the New South Wales side in the Sheffield Shield. He became the first overseas player since Imran Khan in 1984/85 to feature in Australian State cricket, solidifying his reputation.
As England’s interest in Crane grew, national selector James Whitaker expressed his frustration over Crane’s omission from a Hampshire Championship side in early 2017. However, Crane focused on making his presence known in Twenty20 cricket, and his opportunity came when he received his first two T20I caps, one of which was played on his home ground against South Africa. In that match, Crane claimed AB de Villiers as his maiden international victim.
Despite facing some challenges, Crane’s potential was recognized when he was selected for England’s Ashes tour party in 2017 at the age of 21. Although his debut in the Sydney Test was tough, leaking runs and taking just a single wicket, it was important to keep in mind that he was still a young cricketer with immense potential.
In the following years, Crane battled injuries, including a stress fracture, which limited his game time. However, he showcased his abilities in white-ball cricket, excelling in the Royal London Cup and the T20 Blast. In 2020, Hampshire’s cancellation of Nathan Lyon’s signing as their Championship overseas player due to the Covid-19 pandemic presented Crane with an opportunity to prove himself in red-ball cricket. He seized the chance, performing admirably with 14 wickets at an average of 13.57.
Crane’s journey in cricket has been filled with both triumphs and setbacks. As he continues to develop and refine his skills, there is no doubt that Mason Sidney Crane has the potential to become a formidable force in the cricketing world, representing England with pride and determination.
