Crane 'buzzing' at England recall, wants more than Insta celebrity

Key points

• Mason Crane has been recalled to England's squad for the ODI tri-series in Pakistan.
• Crane's last England appearance was his Test debut in the 2017/18 Ashes tour.
• Crane credits improved batting form and a move to Glamorgan for his resurgence.

Mason Crane has been recalled to the England squad for the upcoming ODI tri-series in Pakistan. The leg-spinner, who last played for England as a 20-year-old in the final Test of the 2017/18 Ashes tour in Sydney, said he was "buzzing" about the opportunity.

Crane told the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast that the call-up was unexpected. He admitted he had been "resigned to the fact it may not come again" after nearly a decade without international recognition.

Career turnaround at Glamorgan

After injuries disrupted his 2018 season and limited his chances at Hampshire, Crane moved to Glamorgan in 2024. There, he thrived under coach Richard Dawson, who has since left to join England's red-ball staff as assistant to Stephen Fleming.

Crane praised Dawson, saying he "has very high standards" and pushes players to be their best. He added that Glamorgan would have preferred to keep Dawson but acknowledged his move to international cricket was inevitable.

I didn't really expect it, to be honest. It was a bit out of the blue. But it's really cool and I'm buzzing.

— Mason Crane

Batting form boosts bowling

Crane's improved batting played a key role in his recall. He scored his maiden first-class century and followed it with a second as Glamorgan finished sixth in Division One. He claimed 34 wickets in 14 County Championship appearances in 2026, 15 in 10 Vitality Blast matches, and two in three games for London Spirit in The Hundred.

Crane said his growing confidence with the bat has helped his bowling by keeping him in matches he might not have played. He insisted he does not want to be just a "highlights reel" bowler, but aims to read situations and add variations to his game.