Crane signs professional deal at Hampshire

Leg-spinner Crane, 18, who made his first-team bow earlier this month in the NatWest T20 Blast clash with Surrey, has now signed a two-year development contract with the club.

His maiden wicket was was that of Kumar Sangakkara, while he also dismissed Vikram Solanki in the match and finished with figures of 2-35.

Crane was also in the side for their T20 clash with Sussex last week and then went on to make his first-class debut against Durham at the Ageas Bowl this week.

The Worthing Cricket Club player admitted his delight at signing his first professional deal and said: “It’s great to be a part of Hampshire and this contract is just the start of, hopefully, being a part of the club for a long time.

“This year has been important in terms of improving and working on my game and being involved with the first-team has also been a great opportunity.

“Being able to learn and pick up things from the players and coaches has been great and, hopefully, that’ll stand me in good stead to hopefully continue to contribute in the first-team in the future.”

Hampshire Academy Director, Bobby Parks, said: “Mason’s commitment to Hampshire has been outstanding and has involved many hours of travel from his school at Lancing to training sessions at the Ageas Bowl. An exciting leg-spinner whose command of the art has earned him a Hampshire contract.”

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