England think leg-spinner 'has got the goods'
Tuesday 2 January 2018 10:17, UK
England coach Trevor Bayliss has hinted that young leg-spinner Mason Crane will make his Test debut against Australia in Sydney this week.
The tourists have already surrendered the Ashes, Australia having gone 3-0 up in Perth, but England recorded an encouraging draw in Melbourne to ensure they will not suffer a third 5-0 whitewash in four tours down under.
And, with Moeen Ali out of form, Crane could get his chance in the final Test of the series, which gets underway at the SCG on Thursday.
If the 20-year-old does begin his Test career this week, he will be doing so on the same ground where his spell in grade cricket last winter culminated in an unexpected Sheffield Shield call-up for New South Wales.
Asked if Crane is ready for Tests, Bayliss said: "There's maybe no time like the present to find out.
"We think he's a guy that has got the goods, and the more he plays at this level the better he will get. You've got to start somewhere."
Crane may be selected even if Moeen is retained, but the Worcestershire all-rounder has endured a tough tour so far, with three wickets at a cost of 135 each in four Tests, and only 136 runs at under 20 an innings.
Bayliss added: "At the moment, the number of runs and wickets makes it one of his lows. But, just a couple of months ago, we were singing his praises as one of the best all-rounders in the world.
"Mo is a free spirit, and one or two shots or wickets and he will be off and running. I'm not concerned long term."
Asked whether England might play both of the spinners, Bayliss replied: "Normally it's been the case in the past you can easily play two spinners [at Sydney] but, looking at the wicket on TV, it looked like it had a decent covering of grass.
"I think it will still spin towards the end of the game, it's still the same soil.
"There's been no decision right now - with the series lost, it gives us an opportunity to look at some different people."
