MASON Crane believes Hampshire will be “pumped up” for tomorrow’s visit to Surrey, as they look to make it back-to-back T20 Blast victories.

Leg-spinner Crane played an instrumental role with figures of three for 18 with the ball in the Ageas Bowl outfit’s five-wicket victory over Essex in the South Group at Chelmsford on Tuesday.

Their next contest at the Oval (6.30pm) will be in front of 2,500 fans in line with COVID-19 guidelines – with cricket one of the pilot tests for the return of live sport announced by the government.

And Crane believes building confidence is key to Hampshire picking up another positive result.

The 23-year-old said: “That’s what T20 is – having the confidence.

“The Oval will be an interesting game, it will have a bit of a crowd in, which will be really nice. Everyone is really pumped up for it.

“Hopefully we can take this momentum forward and we can get another win.”

Crane wiped out three of the Essex top-four last time out and is relishing the chance to pit his wits against the competition’s best.

“You want to be taking the big wickets when you can and when you get a chance to bowl to those guys, that’s really when you want to show off your skills and demonstrate you are as good a bowler as they are a batter,” he said.

“That’s what I love about T20, you are always bowling at the best.

“I’ve felt good so far in this competition - but all season, to be honest. I’m happy with how it’s coming out.

“This year I think I’ve bowled a lot better, personally. I think I’m more fit, I can bowl quicker if I need to.

“I’m a bit more confident in my action now and I have learned a lot over the winter with the Lions – it went really well.

“I was gutted I couldn’t start the season and hit the ground running this year but I’m really happy with the direction I’m going in.

“I’m at a point now where I’m really confident in my game and I’m enjoying being out there, so that’s all you can ask for.”