Hampshire's Giles White eyes Dimi Mascarenhas return

Mascarenhas will meet up with Hants for their pre-season trip to Barbados

Hampshire manager Giles White says he is hopeful that all-rounder Dimi Mascarenhas will return from an Achilles injury quicker than expected.

The 33-year-old was due to be out until mid-summer but will join Hampshire for a pre-season trip to Barbados.

White told BBC Radio Solent: "We're hoping he's back for T20 but if it all goes well then maybe before that.

"He's coming to Barbados. He won't play but we'll get him back into training to get a good idea of where he's at."

Mascarenhas, who was replaced by Dominic Cork as Royals captain on Wednesday, made just one appearance for Hampshire during their T20 campaign last season.

The Royals' pre-season trip to Barbados includes a T20 tournament against Essex, Warwickshire, Derbyshire, Yorkshire and Barbados which begins on 19 March.