ICC World Twenty20, 2007-08

Dimitri Mascarenhas drafted into England squad

Cricinfo staff

September 8, 2007

Ryan Sidebottom's injury has opened up a spot in the Twenty20 squad for Dimitri Mascarenhas © Getty Images

Dimitri Mascarenhas has been drafted into the England squad for the ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa after Ryan Sidebottom was ruled out because of injury. Sidebottom has not recovered fully from the side strain he suffered in the third Test against India at The Oval.

Mascarenhas' ability to finish an innings was on display during England 4-3 series win against India. He scored 52 off 39 balls at Bristol and clobbered Yuvraj Singh for five consecutive sixes during his 36 off 15 balls at The Oval. He also provided a reliable bowling option, taking six wickets in four ODIs at an average of just under 23 and an impressive economy-rate of 4.02 runs per over.

"He's [Mascarenhas] been putting in these great performances for Hampshire, and now obviously there's a groundswell of opinion to get him into the England side," Hampshire cricket manager Paul Terry told BBC Radio Solent. "He's shown what he can do, he's got the opportunity and he's taken it. Now he's got another opportunity to go away with England and play abroad, and we'll see how he does."

Mascarenhas' inclusion in the Twenty20 squad was approved by the ICC late on Saturday.

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