Mascarenhas takes over as NZ bowling coach
Positive reviews from captain and coach have helped former England cricket all-rounder Dimitri Mascarenhas lock in a two-year deal as Black Caps bowling coach.
The 37-year-old has been confirmed by New Zealand Cricket as Shane Bond’s permanent replacement after making an impressive start on the tour of England, having been appointed in an interim role.
It also means Otago will be looking for a new coach for the coming season, after Mascarenhas took the reins at the Volts last year.
New Zealand Cricket head of cricket Lindsay Crocker, who was in England for the test series, said feedback from the Black Caps on Mascarenhas’ performance had been overwhelmingly positive, leading to an offer to fill the role fulltime.
‘‘Dimitri has impressed in the short time he’s been with the Black Caps and we’re delighted he’s accepted the offer to continue working with the side,’’ said Crocker.
‘‘Both coach Mike Hesson and captain Brendon McCullum have been pleased with his contribution on the tour and have watched him develop excellent working relationships with the bowling group.’’
As well as being the Black Caps bowling coach, Mascarenhas’ duties will include an involvement in NZ Cricket’s coach education initiative, and in the high performance centre’s winter and A squad training programmes. Mascarenhas said he could not wait to throw himself into the challenge fulltime.
‘‘I’m very much looking forward to being part of this organisation and playing my part in helping us progress further,’’ he said. ‘‘The Black Caps are blessed with some outstanding bowlers and it was a privilege to be involved with the side during the test win in Leeds. My immediate aim is to assist the incumbents’ continued development and to help maintain a healthy depth in New Zealand Cricket’s elite bowling stocks.’’
Mascarenhas played 20 one-day games and 14 Twenty20s for England 2007-2009, as well as playing for the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League, and the Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League.