Mason Crane says childhood hero Shane Warne is still in his mind when he bowls

London Spirit leg-spinner Mason Crane says words of wisdom from the late Shane Warne still run through his mind when he bowls.

Crane believes childhood idol Warne, who died suddenly in March, had an “immeasurable impact” on his career.

The 25-year-old played under the Australian great for Spirit during last year’s inaugural Hundred tournament, having been inspired by his performances in the 2005 Ashes and followed in his footsteps by representing Hampshire at county level.

One-time England international Crane, who is preparing to face Welsh Fire on Wednesday at Lord’s, admits Warne is an enduring influence.

“Without Shane Warne I wouldn’t be playing cricket,” he told the PA news agency.

“He’s the reason why I started playing the game and he’s the reason why I kept playing when I was really young.

“Last year spending a good chunk of time with him, I’m honoured to have had that. It’s fair to say that he was everything you could hope for and more really.

“Even now I’m certain that when I’m bowling I’m remembering certain things that he’s said to me, always trying to keep that mindset that he had as well, trying to attack and get wickets and put the other team on the back foot through us being aggressive.

“He’s had an immeasurable impact really on me personally.”

Warne’s death at the age of 52 stunned the sporting world, with Crane describing it as a “hammer blow” which affected him for “quite some time”.

Spirit finished bottom of the men’s Hundred standings last summer but, under the guidance of ex-England coach Trevor Bayliss and his World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan, they are flying high this campaign following four wins from five matches.

“As a squad we’ve spoken about playing in honour of Shane Warne, taking his