Mascarenhas to play for Tasmania

Mascarenhas is expected to make his debut against New South Wales

Hampshire skipper Dimitri Mascarenhas has signed for the Tasmanian Tigers in the Australian domestic Twenty20 Big Bash competition.

He is expected to make his debut against New South Wales on 30 December.

The 32-year-old signs as the Tigers' overseas player, replacing Sri Lanka bowler Lasith Malinga who is away on international duty.

Mascarenhas played for New Zealand side Otago Volts in the Champions League Twenty20 last month.

Cricket Tasmania operations general manager David Boon said: "When Malinga was first signed we knew this was a possibility and although it is disappointing, we have a suitable back-up player in Dimitri Mascarenhas."

The Australian-educated all-rounder has made 14 Twenty20 international appearances for England, and played for the Rajasthan Royals in the first two Indian Premier League tournaments.