Mascarenhas appointed Otago head coach

Dimitri Mascarenhas, the former England allrounder, has been appointed as the head coach of Otago Volts on a two-year contract.

Mascarenhas, 36, played 34 international matches for England between 2007 and 2009, but enjoyed a successful domestic career, playing for as many as nine franchises including Otago, Hampshire, Melbourne Stars, Hobart Hurricanes, Rangpur Riders, Rajasthan Royals, Kings XI Punjab, and Wellington. During the course of his 18-year career, he chalked up more than 10,000 runs and 900 wickets across all forms of the game.

"I am really excited about the opportunity to be a head coach and am delighted that it is with Otago," Mascarenhas said. "I really enjoyed my time playing there and believe that the culture within that environment is well-suited to my way of doing things. Otago have fashioned a fantastic record over recent seasons and I look forward to working with the players."

In recent seasons, Mascarenhas has begun the transition to coaching, completing an ECB level three coaching qualification as well as holding player-coach roles with Hampshire, Rajasthan Royals and Hobart Hurricanes. Ross Dykes, the Otago CEO, said the team would gain from the player's vast experience.

"Dimi's tactical awareness and his ability to build relationships set him apart from a very strong field of candidates," Dykes said. "His proven ability to work with bowlers and his positive approach to the game make him an ideal coach to partner with Nathan King and take Otago to the next level. It is a huge plus that most of our current squad know and respect Dimi - just as he knows them and their strengths and weaknesses."

Mascarenhas is expected to start the job later in the winter.