Hampshire Academy leg spinner Mason Crane described dismissing Sri Lanka star Kumar Sangakkara on his NatWestt20 Blast debut against Surrey at the Ageas Bowl as “a moment I’ll treasure for the remainder of my life.”
The 18-year old took 2-35 in his four overs (17 came off his final over) as Hampshire successfully defended 186-5 to keep their play-off prospects alive with a 29-run win over the Brown Caps. Surrey replied with 157-9.
Talking about his debut Crane, who had Sangakkara brilliantly caught by Joe Gatting and soon after Vikram Solanki stumped for 34, said: “It is awesome to make your debut with a massive crowd and the buzz you get off it. I would love to go out there again and do it all over.
“I was quite nervous but luckily we were batting so I got myself into the game nicely and I looked to enjoy every ball, and I did.
“I knew I was playing just before we went to warm up, I thought I was 12th man. I think it is the best way just to get thrown in like that.
“I was nervous bowling to Kumar as I knew he could hit me anywhere but it doesn’t matter how they come : it is a great first wicket and I’ll never forget it.
“I thought he (Joe Gatting) was nowhere near it and was hoping it didn’t go for four but then he took a great catch. I doesn’t get any bigger than Sangakkara, especially first up!”
The 18-year old took 2-35 in his four overs (17 came off his final over) as Hampshire successfully defended 186-5 to keep their play-off prospects alive with a 29-run win over the Brown Caps. Surrey replied with 157-9.
Talking about his debut Crane, who had Sangakkara brilliantly caught by Joe Gatting and soon after Vikram Solanki stumped for 34, said: “It is awesome to make your debut with a massive crowd and the buzz you get off it. I would love to go out there again and do it all over.
“I was quite nervous but luckily we were batting so I got myself into the game nicely and I looked to enjoy every ball, and I did.
“I knew I was playing just before we went to warm up, I thought I was 12th man. I think it is the best way just to get thrown in like that.
“I was nervous bowling to Kumar as I knew he could hit me anywhere but it doesn’t matter how they come : it is a great first wicket and I’ll never forget it.
“I thought he (Joe Gatting) was nowhere near it and was hoping it didn’t go for four but then he took a great catch. I doesn’t get any bigger than Sangakkara, especially first up!”
