Mascarenhas, who will have responsibility for the bowlers, joins head coach Anthony McGrath, who retains a focus on the batsmen following the departure of former head coach Chris Silverwood, who took over as England bowling coach in January.

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The 40-year-old former Hampshire captain, who played 20 ODIs and 14 T20Is, as well as in the IPL and Big Bash, has had spells as bowling coach for New Zealand and with the BBL’s Melbourne Renegades.

[caption id=”attachment_61394″ align=”alignnone” width=”800″] Mascarenhas is a favourite on the south coast[/caption]

McGrath said the club, who won the County Championship in 2017, were excited about what Mascarenhas, a popular player on the county circuit during a 17-year career, could add to Essex’s white-ball fortunes. The club have not won a one-day trophy since 2008.

“It is a real coup to bring him to Chelmsford,” said McGrath. “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.

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“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.”