MASON Crane could win the Natwest T20 Blast and make his Test debut at Lord’s within the space of six days.

The leg-spinner is back with his Hampshire teammates preparing for tomorrow’s semi-final against Nottinghamshire at Edgbaston.

Hampshire have lost all four of their previous Edgbaston semi-finals – in 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

But Crane, Hampshire’s best bowler in this year’s tournament, was not involved in any of them and is full of confidence after his fortnight with England’s Test squad.

His diving catch as England’s 12th man during the dramatic last day of the second Test at Headingley on Tuesday was another reminder of his ability to shine on the big occasion.

“As a 12th man you feel quite helpless when a game’s as tight as that,” he said, following the Windies’ series-levelling win.

“It was the first ball after I came on for Stuart Broad [who will be playing for Notts today].

“Sadly it didn’t turn the game around but we’re eager to bounce back.

“Hopefully the lads can do that and maybe I’ll be part of the XI.”

Crane has enjoyed his time with the England set up.

“I’ve been working really hard with [England spin-bowling consultant] Saqlain Mushtaq.

“I’m always looking for ways to improve and it’s been good to work with him. He’s got good views on bowling so has been good to learn from.

“Although I haven’t played in one yet it’s been great to be around the Test environment.

“Speaking to the senior players, I’ve been reminded it’s about focusing on doing what I do for Hampshire.

“Hopefully I can use that experience of the big occasion on Saturday.”

Crane is likely to be one of five Hampshire players representing the county at Finals Day for the first time, alongside George Bailey, Calvin Dickinson, Gareth Berg and Tom Alsop.

After making his England T20 debut against South Africa at The Ageas Bowl on the back of only five senior appearances in the format, he claimed the big scalp of AB de Villiers in his second international, before establishing himself as his county’s best T20 bowler this season.

As well as being Hampshire’s leading wicket-taker (17 at 17.05 apiece), Crane has their best economy rate (6.74 runs per over).

“I hadn’t played a lot of [T20] games before this year but I’ve now played a lot and the England games were a great experience.

“You have to get used to switching formats during a season and this is another.

“Only getting four overs, you have to focus more on every ball and try to read the batter quickly and react to what they do, knowing they’ll come at me quite hard.”

Alex Hales is sure to do that given the chance and will be looking to provide more fireworks after his world record 187 in the Royal London One-day Cup final at Lord’s two months ago.

But Hampshire have won their two previous T20 games against Notts, via dramatic quarter-final chases at Trent Bridge in 2012 and 2014.

“All out attention is on the Notts game, they’re a very good side and Hales is remarkable,” Crane added. “Hopefully we get him early.”

Hampshire (from): Afridi, Dickinson, Vince (c), Bailey, Carberry, Dawson, Berg, Alsop, Abbott, Wood, Crane, Wheal, Adams, Ervine.