HAMPSHIRE director of cricket Giles White praised Mason Crane for “sticking to his task” in difficult circumstances during his record 51-over contribution in Surrey’s first innings.

Crane showed a maturity that belied his years in taking 3-210 from 51 overs as Surrey amassed 637-7 declared.

No one has bowled that many overs in an innings at The Ageas Bowl before, never mind a 19 year-old playing only his 11th first-class match.

After taking 2-78 from 25 overs on day one he finished with 1-132 from 26 yesterday.

“We bowled a lot of overs as a group and Mason stuck to his task,” said White.

“He is a young bowler learning all the time. It wasn’t offering him a lot but he bowled well.

“If he was a bit luckier he could have got a few more wickets.”

Crane’s remarkable feat of endurance is also the most number of overs by a Hampshire bowler against Surrey since slow left-armer Alan Wassell took 5-76 from 56 overs at Dean Park against a side including John Edrich, Micky Stewart and Eric Bedser in 1961 (via Hampshire archivist Dave Allen).

“It was a very long day in the field,” continued White. “It is tough on a good wicket on a good wicket to bat on.

“I’m pleased with the way the boys stuck to their task but they are in a good position in this game.

“We rallied well from the early wickets and hopefully [Ryan] McLaren and [Tom] Alsop can pile on a big partnership.

“It’s a good opportunity to dig in and get some big scores.

“We have a big batting line up and have to make use of it.”