Essex have confirmed former England and Hampshire all-rounder Dimitri Mascarenhas as the club's new assistant head coach.

The 40-year-old will join the coaching staff from March 1 having been named as Anthony McGrath's number two following a thorough and lengthy recruitment process.

Mascarenhas made 627 appearances during a playing career, which saw him represent Hampshire and England.

He also plied his trade in T20 competitions around the world, representing Melbourne Stars, Rangpur Riders and Kings XI Punjab, among others.

A player of vast experience, Mascarenhas then turned his hand to a number of Player/Coach roles across the globe, including at Hampshire, Rajasthan Royals and Hobart Hurricanes.

He went on to become Head Coach of Otago Volts, before taking the Bowling Coach role with New Zealand, and Mascarenhas has more recently worked in the same role for Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash.

And head coach Anthony McGrath is thrilled to secure the services of Mascarenhas and said: "It is a real coup to bring him to Chelmsford.

"We have been looking for someone with Dimi’s credentials, and having worked in competitions around the world, he brings with him a lot of knowledge and experience.

"He will bring a tactical nous to our white-ball cricket and help the squad improve on our performances in the One-Day Cup and T20 Blast in recent seasons.

"I know our bowlers are looking forward to working with him, and the whole squad will benefit from his technical and tactical knowledge as we prepare for another exciting season."

The Chiswick-born coach believes it is the perfect next step in his career, commenting: "I’m really excited to be joining Essex as Assistant Head coach.

"I have heard they are a really talented group of players and I am looking forward to getting over to Chelmsford to contribute to more success this season."