Mascarenhas ready to turn it on

LONDON // Dimitri Mascarenhas is determined to take his latest chance to establish himself as an international cricketer by attempting to emulate the six-hitting antics of the world's leading players. Both Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff have emphasised the gulf between the style of one-day cricket being practised by England and that by India, who romped to a 5-0 series triumph over them before Christmas.

India's attacking brand of cricket was performed with a batting line up who could find the boundary almost at will and had developed the art of hitting sixes considerably. But in 31-year-old all-rounder Mascarenhas, England have a player who is at least capable of attempting to emulate those big hits. Masceranhas hit India's Yuvraj Singh for five successive sixes at the Oval two years ago. Now back in the fold for the five-match series against West Indies, which follows Sunday's Twenty20 International at the Queen's Park Oval, Mascarenhas is hoping his ability to clear the ropes down the order can help him establish himself at the top level.

"At the death it's a bit different because all you're looking to do is hit it out of the park. I'm in a no-lose situation - if I get out then it's because I have to go for runs. At the top of the order there is more responsibility." * PA Sport