EXPERIENCED Hampshire all-rounder Dimitri Mascarenhas should not give up on his England dream.

That is the view of Hampshire vice-captain Shaun Udal.

Udal, who became England's oldest Test debutant for 17 years during the winter, believes Mascarenhas is one of the best all-rounders on the county circuit.

The 37-year-old said: "The message to Dimi is 'don't give up'. He is still only 28 and you never know what will happen in the future".

Mascarenhas has been a model of consistency for Hampshire for a decade.

Last season he hammered 540 runs at an average of 49.09 and bagged 34 wickets at 23.55 apiece in the championship, and enjoyed similar success in the one-dayers as Hampshire carried off the C&G Trophy.

Udal believes his own surprise England call-up should give his teammate encouragement.

He said: "I never gave up and although Dimi hasn't had the international chance he wants my message to him is 'just keep going'.

"Dimi needs no motivation at all. He is very consistent and always does his job well for Hampshire.

"Dimi has been very consistent year in, year out and he just keeps going and going.

"People say that he does not have enough pace or that he doesn't hit enough runs, but if you look at all the all-rounders around the country last year he was the best one.

"Dimi was a little bit disappointed at not being included in the England one-day set up last year.

"But anyone who takes as many wickets as he does and averages over 40 runs has to be in with a good shout.

"His record throughout his career speaks for itself."

Udal will captain Hampshire in the absence of Shane Warne when the season begins against Lancashire at Old Trafford next Tuesday.

But he is likely to be on England duty a month today if Ashley Giles does not recover from his hip injury in time.

He added: "People keep talking about England and Sri Lanka on May 11, but if Ashley is fit enough he will play.

"All I can say is I hope that if he isn't fit, and I hope that he is, I am the first one they look at to play for England."

Tomorrow: Hampshire fast bowler Chris Tremlett reveals his injury fears.

Eight page Hampshire Cricket pullout in this Saturday's Pink