MASCARENHAS INFLUENCED BY WARNE
Shane Warne was the main reason why his former team-mate Dimitri Mascrenhas signed up for the lucrative Indian Premier League, the new Hampshire captain has revealed. Ex-skipper Warne, widely regarded as one of the greatest exponents of spin bowling in the history of the game, encouraged the England selectors to pick all-rounder Mascrenhas last year.
The 30-year-old made his One Day International debut in July and has won 10 caps for his county, and Warne has used his powers of persuasion to good effect again. The blond leg spinner is set to captain and coach the Jaipur Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, and wanted his Hampshire friend in the team.
“Shane was a huge influence on my decision,” Mascrenhas, who featured in the recent ODI series in New Zealand, admitted. “He rang me and asked would I be interested after the first auction. I said ‘Yeah, I’d be interested’ and that started the ball rolling. I only just sneaked in at the second auction.”
And when Warne announced his retirement from county cricket last month, it was a great surprise for Mascrenhas. He continued: “It was definitely a bit of a shock when Shane announced he was leaving. He decided that his kids and family were more important which is a good enough excuse for me.”
On the IPL Twenty20 Mascrenhas added: “It’s a pretty easy game, you have just got to know how to do it. You have to score runs fast and bowl tight. And know when to use your variations. It’s all in the head.” And with the money he will earn – some of the top stars are reportedly being paid $180,000 for just signing on – he will treat himself to some jewellery. “I might buy some new earrings,” he smiled.
Shane Warne was the main reason why his former team-mate Dimitri Mascrenhas signed up for the lucrative Indian Premier League, the new Hampshire captain has revealed. Ex-skipper Warne, widely regarded as one of the greatest exponents of spin bowling in the history of the game, encouraged the England selectors to pick all-rounder Mascrenhas last year.
The 30-year-old made his One Day International debut in July and has won 10 caps for his county, and Warne has used his powers of persuasion to good effect again. The blond leg spinner is set to captain and coach the Jaipur Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, and wanted his Hampshire friend in the team.
“Shane was a huge influence on my decision,” Mascrenhas, who featured in the recent ODI series in New Zealand, admitted. “He rang me and asked would I be interested after the first auction. I said ‘Yeah, I’d be interested’ and that started the ball rolling. I only just sneaked in at the second auction.”
And when Warne announced his retirement from county cricket last month, it was a great surprise for Mascrenhas. He continued: “It was definitely a bit of a shock when Shane announced he was leaving. He decided that his kids and family were more important which is a good enough excuse for me.”
On the IPL Twenty20 Mascrenhas added: “It’s a pretty easy game, you have just got to know how to do it. You have to score runs fast and bowl tight. And know when to use your variations. It’s all in the head.” And with the money he will earn – some of the top stars are reportedly being paid $180,000 for just signing on – he will treat himself to some jewellery. “I might buy some new earrings,” he smiled.
Labels: cricket, Dimitri Mascarenhas, England, Hampshire, Indian Premier League, Shane Warne
I think it's about time Dimitri was given an opportunity in the IPL. I don't think Shane Warne would have recommended him if he did not think he could do the job. Give him a go, he will perform.
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4:52 am