Mascarenhas to lead Hants

Dimitri Mascarenhas succeeds Shane Warne as Hampshire captain © Getty Images

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Dimitri Mascarenhas has been appoointed as Shane Warne’s successor as Hampshire captain.

England all-rounder Mascarenhas takes charge following the news that Warne will not return to the Rose Bowl in 2008 due to business and family commitments.

Shaun Udal, who deputised during Warne’s absence last season, retired at the end of the campaign, leaving Mascarenhas as the leading candidate to assume control.

Mascarenhas, who is set to miss some of the early stages of the season due to his involvement in the Indian Premier League, said: “It is a huge honour to be made captain of such a prestigious club, following in the footsteps of the likes of Colin Ingleby-Mackenzie, Mark Nicholas and the great Shane Warne.

“I hope to bring great success to the club and Hampshire supporters.”

Warne, in announcing his decision to retire from first-class cricket, added: “To Dimi, who is also one of my best friends, good luck with it all buddy. My thoughts are with you and the guys.”

Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove endorsed the credentials of 30-year-old Mascarenhas, who made his England one-day debut last summer.

“In Dimitri Mascarenhas we have a mature cricketer with great standing amongst his peers,” said Bransgrove.

“As captain, he will have the opportunity to capitalise upon his natural flair for leadership and to call upon his immense pool of experience with both Hampshire and England.

“He will be a popular and capable successor to Shane Warne and I wish him the very best of luck.”

Team manager Paul Terry added: “I’m delighted for Dimi. I see him as the perfect man to keep taking the club forward with his enthusiasm and respect within the dressing room.”