Mascarenhas out to cement place

12 June 2008

Dimitri Mascarenhas wants to be a fixture in England's one-day side © Getty Images

All-rounder Dimitri Mascarenhas is keen to establish himself as a long-term fixture in England’s plans over the coming weeks.

The Hampshire captain rejoins the England squad for Friday’s Twenty20 match against New Zealand and the five one-day internationals which follow.

Mascarenhas played in three of the five matches between the sides in New Zealand earlier this year and is keen to make a bigger impact as England seek revenge for that series loss.

The 30-year-old said: “Hopefully, if I get an opportunity, I can perform well and try to cement a place in that one-day side.

“It is all well and good being in the squad of 14 but I want to get myself in the starting XI and keep myself there with some good performances.

“Obviously, last time out we lost 3-1 in New Zealand so we will be looking to put in a much better show on our home turf and try to knock them over.

“They are second or third in the world in one-day cricket. They are right up there so it is not going to be easy.

“We are going to have to be ready with our plans and play very good cricket to beat them.”

Mascarenhas underlined his own form with a crucial 74 in last weekend’s LV County Championship win over Durham.

It has been an eventful year for the player, having been made captain following the departure of Shane Warne and also featuring in the Indian Premier League.

He added: “It is going okay. I have performed really well in the one-dayers and I have started to get a few runs in the four days, and the wickets are coming steady.

“My personal performances are decent, could be better obviously, but I am feeling pretty good about my game.

“Out in New Zealand, I didn’t bowl an awful lot but over here it may change a little.

“I will be looking to try to get a few wickets and keep the runs down. With the bat, hopefully I can continue how I have been already.”

Mascarenhas also feels he is a better player for his experience of the captaincy.

“It has made me think about the game a lot more,” he said.

“It is hard work but it is a learning curve and I am learning a lot every time I go onto the field. It’s been very good for my game.”