Ashes 2017-18: Young England leggie likely to debut in the Sydney dead rubber

Australia are currently leading the five-match Ashes series 3-0 after the fourth game ended in a draw on the final day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The 20-year-old leggie Mason Crane will most likely win his maiden cap in the Ashes grand finale. England cricket team coach Trevor Bayliss has hinted about giving the talented youngster a go in the Sydney Test, beginning January 4 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

Moeen Ali under pressure to perform

Crane, if handed the cap, will replace an out-of-form Moeen Ali, who is under immense pressure to keep his place in the XI after struggling with both the bat and ball, “We think he’s a guy that has got the goods, and the more he plays at this level the better he will get,” Bayliss told the media.

“At the moment, the number of runs and wickets make (this series) one of his lows,” said the coach about Ali’s inclusion in the final Test. Mo is a free spirit, and one or two shots or wickets and he will be off and running. So I’m not concerned long term,” he added as per quotes on cricket.com.au.

Australian spinner helping Crane in the nets

Former Australia leg-spinner Stuart MacGill has been called in to help prepare Mason Crane for his debut. MacGill will work with Crane in the nets at the SCG. The youngster’s first-class bowling average of 44, at an economy rate of 3.9, has given his team the confidence to play him.

Having already lost the series 0-3, England have only respect to lose by playing Crane in a dead rubber at a venue which has historically favoured the spinners. Meanwhile, for Australia, star pacer Mitchell Starc who missed out on the MCG Test, may return for the final Test as he was seen training with the team on Tuesday.

Australia lead 3-0 in the series after the fourth Test in Melbourne ended in a draw.

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