Mason Crane: There's No Place Better 

Hampshire leg-spinner Mason Crane is determined to “spin the ball a long way, both ways” in this summer’s Vitality Blast after returning from a successful England Lions tour of Australia this winter.

The 23-year-old helped the Lions to an unbeaten record during white-ball part of the tour, highlighted by his three wickets against a New South Wales XI.

It was a satisfying return to Australia for Crane, who made his Test debut in Sydney three years ago but has since seen his progress stalled by a pair of back fractures.

Last summer he returned to help Hampshire to the Royal London Cup final and took 11 wickets at an average of just over 16 in an otherwise disappointing Blast campaign for the south-coast county.

It was the second successive season that Hampshire had missed Finals Day – after reaching seven of the previous eight deciders – but Crane is already plotting a return.

“The last year or two we have not been as good as we can be so helpfully this year it all comes together,” Crane said.

“The lads have been training hard or playing overseas (this winter) and they’ve all been doing really well. I’m really looking forward to this year.

“For me the role of a leg-spinner has come to the fore in the T20 era and it is important to spin the ball both ways and spin it hard as well – hopefully spin the ball a long way both ways.

“That’s what I’m aiming to do. That’s exciting cricket.”

Hampshire will begin their Vitality Blast campaign with a home ‘el clasicoast’ derby against Sussex Sharks at the The Ageas Bowl on Friday, May 29.

Tickets for all of the Blast group-stage matches went on sale earlier this month while Hampshire have already enjoyed record-breaking sales of its early-bird ticket offer.

Crane admits he is looking forward to the prospect of starting the Blast season in front of a packed crowd for the derby with fans encouraged to get their tickets quickly.

“There’s no place better - T20 at the The Ageas Bowl with a home crowd behind you and fingers crossed we’ll get a win with the crowd bouncing and make it a great night for everyone,” he said.

“Home games are brilliant and when we get to play against Sussex at el clasicoast that is amazing.

“We normally get a good crowd and they’re a good side, we’re a good side. They’re the ones that you look forward to and it’s the first one to kick off the Blast so it’s going to be awesome.”

This year’s Vitality Blast campaign will begin earlier than previous seasons with Hampshire’s quest to reach a record-breaking eighth T20 Finals Day beginning on Friday 29^th May with a huge home ‘el clasicoast’ clash against local rivals Sussex Sharks.

The fixture will kick off a bumper schedule of T20 action which will run throughout May, June and July.

To purchase your tickets or Early Bird Passport for this summer’s Vitality Blast, please follow the link above or get in touch with a member of the Ticketing Team on 0844 847 1863 or in person at the The Ageas Bowl Ticketing and Membership Office during normal working hours.