Dimitri Mascarenhas appointed as Otago Volts head coach

Jimmy Adams(L) and Dimitri Mascarenhas

Former England all-rounder Dimitri Mascarenhas will join New Zealand domestic outfit Otago Volts as their head coach on a two-year contract. He is expected to take charge late winter.

The 36-year-old has previously worked as a player-coach with Hampshire, Rajasthan Royals and Hobart Hurricanes. Although he has made only 34 appearances at the highest level – 20 ODIs and 14 T20s – he has had a successful domestic career, especially in T20s: 130 T20s for 9 different franchises including Otago Volts.

On his appointment, Mascarenhas said: "I am really excited about the opportunity to be a Head Coach and am delighted that it is with Otago. 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, Nathan and the rest of the staff to ensure trophies continue to be won by the Volts."

Mascarenhas landed a contract with Otago Volts back in 2008 to represent them in State Twenty 20 and State Shield competitions.

Ross Dykes, the Otago Volts CEO, said: “We are delighted to have secured someone of Dimi's experience in the game at the top level and it is particularly comforting to know he is very familiar with our players, environment and facilities."

"Dimi's tactical awareness and his ability to build relationships set him apart from a very strong field of candidates. 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 the Volts to the next level. Dimi and Nathan have very compatible skills and this was another compelling factor in the decision. 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.”

A more than capable batsman down the order and a potent medium pace bowler on helping decks, he has 1356 runs and 152 wickets in the shortest format.