Mason Crane in line for Ashes debut

England’s 20-year-old leg-spinner Mason Crane looks set for a Test match debut in the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney.

With England 3-0 down from four Tests, it is now highly likely they will turn to the Hampshire wrist-spinner, who has experience of playing at the SCG following his sensational call-up the New South Wales team last winter.

Then, Crane had performed so well in Grade cricket for Gordon – taking four five-fors and three seven-fors – that he was picked for the Sheffield Shield side, the first NSW overseas player since Imran Khan in 1984-85.

“With the series lost it gives us the opportunity to look at some different people,” said England head coach Trevor Bayliss.

"There's no time like the present to find out if Mason is ready. We think he's a guy that has got the goods and the more he plays at this level the better he will get. You have got to start somewhere.”

Crane is likely to replace one of Moeen Ali – who has struggled for form with both bat and ball during the series – or Tom Curran, who made his own debut in the fourth Test in Melbourne. Bayliss suggested the decision would be based on the nature of the pitch.

"The type of wicket we play on might play a part,” he said. “Normally you can easily play two spinners but looking at the wicket it looked like it had a decent covering of grass. We will just have to take a look. There's been no decision right now.”

Australia host England at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 4.