Dimi replaces Sidebottom

All-rounder rewarded for strong performances against India

Last updated: 10th September 2007

mascarenhas_celebrate

Mascarenhas: Heading for South Africa

Dimitri Mascarenhas has been called into England's squad for the World Twenty20 Championship in South Africa.

The all-rounder, who impressed in Saturday's NatWest Series-clinching victory over India at Lord's, replaces the injured Ryan Sidebottom.

Mascarenhas has enjoyed a fine series against India, in which he hit five consecutive sixes in the defeat at the Brit Oval and took three for 23 as England won by seven wickets on Saturday.

There were also doubts about the fitness of Andrew Flintoff and Chris Tremlett but both have been passed fit for the 20-over tournament.

Nottinghamshire's Sidebottom has not recovered fully from a side strain which prevented him playing any one-day cricket against the Indians.

The International Cricket Council must now ratify England's change - they have already replaced another injured player, Ravi Bopara, with James Anderson.