Bayliss would have no hesitation selecting Crane
England coach Trevor Bayliss insists he “wouldn’t have any problems at all” if the tourists were forced to pick young spinner Mason Crane in the first Ashes Test against Australia.
With first-choice spinner Moeen Ali currently nursing an injury, the 20-year-old Crane played in England’s first warm-up game on tour Down Under and returned figures of 2-75 in 17 overs against a Western Australia XI in a two-day game.
Although those figures seem unflattering, Bayliss was impressed with Crane’s attitude and character and, even though he is uncapped at Test level, the coach would have no hesitation in throwing him in the firing line.
ALSO READ: Broad: We have to look at what we do best
Bayliss said: “I wouldn’t have any problems at all playing Crane in the Test match. He’s young, but he’s feisty and likes to get into the contest.
“He’s inexperienced and still has a fair bit to learn. One of those reasons he’s on this tour is that we think he’ll be a very good bowler in years to come.
“He’s got to start somewhere and if it’s here during the Ashes then so be it.”
The first of five Ashes Tests starts in Brisbane on 23 November.
Latest
-
NewsJack Leach enjoying life in ‘extremely positive’ England set-up
Leach’s first 10-wicket Test match haul and half-centuries from Ollie Pope and Joe Root have left England on course for a 3-0 series win.
-
NewsHashim Amla and Ben Geddes hit hundreds as Surrey take control against Kent
The pair produced a third-wicket stand of 213 after the hosts were asked to bat.
-
NewsEngland on course for New Zealand series whitewash after Jack Leach career-best
Spinner Leach took 10 wickets in a Test match for the first time.
-
NewsNew-look England set for ‘exciting time’ as they gear up for South Africa Test
The absence of Katherine Brunt and Anya Shrubsole has opened the door for new faces to make their mark.
-
NewsEngland set 296 for series sweep as Jack Leach claims first 10-wicket Test haul
Leach finished with second-innings figures of five for 66 as New Zealand were bowled out for 326.
-
EnglandEngland thwarted by Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell again at Headingley
England drew a blank over the course of two difficult hours on Sunday.
-
NewsBen Foakes replaced by Sam Billings at Headingley after positive Covid-19 test
Foakes did not take the field on the third afternoon against New Zealand after complaining of back pain.
-
EnglandJamie Overton happy to entertain on rollercoaster England Test debut
The pace bowler fell three runs short of a remarkable century at Headingley.
-
EnglandEngland have Headingley buzzing again as late burst rocks New Zealand
The tourists will resume on Sunday 137 runs ahead with five wickets down.
-
EnglandJamie Overton falls just short of debut century for England in tight third Test
Overton was caught behind for 97 in the morning session.