Mason Crane impresses on debut as England look to ring further changes
Friday 23 June 2017 16:23, UK
Eoin Morgan says debutant Mason Crane could develop into a long-term international prospect, after the first instalment of England's rotation policy paid off with a nine-wicket Twenty20 win over South Africa.
Crane - the first of five uncapped players named in the squad for the three-match series - impressed as he bowled with control to end with figures of 0-24 from his four overs.
Morgan has already confirmed that Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Tom Curran and Craig Overton will pull on England colours in the remaining matches, on Friday and Sunday - live on Sky Sports.
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With Durham paceman Mark Wood rested for the remainder of the series, Liam Plunkett comes back into the equation while Somerset seamer Overton could debut on his home ground in the second Twenty20 at Taunton.
Only England's top three got a hit on Wednesday as in-form Jonny Bairstow (60no) and Alex Hales (47no) secured victory in 14.3 overs.
One batting spot will be freed up when in-form Bairstow returns to Yorkshire before the final match, at Cardiff, but Livingstone and Malan are in contention to play on Friday.
Reflecting on how Crane fared in his first England outing, captain Morgan replied: "Really well.
"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.
"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."
Opposing skipper AB de Villiers also spoke of Crane after another disappointing performance for South Africa, but said he and his team-mates had let the newcomer off the hook on occasion.
"I picked his deliveries but he did pretty well for a youngster," he said.
"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."
Watch the second Twenty20 international between England and South Africa live on Sky Sports 2 this Friday from 4.30pm.
