Ashes 2017/18: It Felt Like Any Other Game - Mason Crane

Leg-spinner Mason Crane, after warming the benches for the first four Tests, finally made his debut in the fifth and the final Ashes Test which was inconsequential for the visitors, as they had already surrendered the Urn during the 3^rd Test of the series.

Crane said it got on his nerves when he came to know that he would be making his debut and it became like playing any other game for him.

Crane conceded he found it difficult to get into his rhythm in the initial part but, as the match progressed he got settled in quite nicely despite ending wicketless after delivery 17 overs.

Speaking after the 2^nd day’s play of the 5^th and the final Ashes Test, Crane said,

“I had great fun out there. It’s massive. It’s everything you’ve been working towards for the last few years. It’s a huge moment.”

When asked whether he felt nervousness before bowling his first over, Crane said Root never allowed him to think about it.

“I didn’t really have any time to think about it. Joe Root said he wanted me to bowl at this end but then changed his mind.” He bowled a few loopy full toss which he attributed to the ball getting stuck in his hand.

“The first one stuck in a bit. After a couple of overs, I settled down. It just felt like a normal game, with a few more people watching,” he further added.

The leggie returned wicketless and ended up conceding 58 runs in 17 overs and bowled a tad better than England’s premier spinner Moeen Ali, as he struggled to turn the ball. Australia eventually ended the 2^nd day’s play trailing England by 153 runs and with eight wickets in the kitty. Skipper Smith was batting unbeaten on 44 when stumps were taken.

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