Mason Crane: Hampshire spinner makes New South Wales debut

Mason Crane made his first-class debut for Hampshire in July 2015

Hampshire leg-spinner Mason Crane has become the first overseas player to represent Australian side New South Wales for 32 years.

The 20-year-old was selected for their Sheffield Shield game against South Australia, which started on Tuesday.

He took his first wicket on his Shield debut, taking 1-24 on a rain-affected first day in Sydney.

Englishman Crane is the first overseas player to represent the state since Pakistan's Imran Khan in 1984-85.

Crane has been playing grade cricket in Sydney during the English winter, and has taken 45 wickets in 11 matches, including three seven-wicket hauls.

His form at Gordon Cricket Club in the city, taking his wickets at an average of just over 20, saw him selected for NSW.

In his 16 first-class appearances for Hampshire, he has also taken 45 wickets, but at an average of 40.75.

Crane received his cap from former Australia leg-spinner Stuart MacGill, with whom he has been working closely in Australia

New South Wales spinners Steven O'Keefe and Nathan Lyon are on Test duty with Australia in India, and Crane has been selected alongside off-spinner William Somerville.

Despite only bowling five overs on the opening day in Sydney, he had Tom Cooper caught for 19 as South Australia reached 169-5 at stumps.

In November, Crane signed signed a three-year contract extension with Hampshire, keeping him at the county until 2019.