Simmons` tips to bowl aiming at single stump helped: Dinda

New Delhi: He is no longer India`s bowling coach but Eric Simmons is someone who has played a pivotal role in making Bengal speedster Ashok Dinda a much improved and most talked about bowler in the current domestic season.

"When I was with Delhi Daredevils last year, it was Simmons who told me to bowl aiming at single stump. I did practice for long hours and that helped me hit a consistent length throughout the season," Dinda, who is on his comeback trail after getting 59 wickets in the first-class season, told reporters on Tuesday. After guiding Bengal to semi-final with his maiden five-wicket haul in List A, Dinda did admit that he has matured as a bowler and has been making less mistakes. "I have learnt to control my swing. Earlier, I was too happy to bowl bouncers but now I know the importance of bowling fuller length deliveries. Also I have practised with shorter run-up as it helps to get the ball zip off the turf --something Ajit Agarkar has done well over the years," he said. His teammate Manoj Tiwary didn`t get a single game during the ODI tri-series despite being in the form of his life but that doesn`t worry Dinda. "I can only try and give my 100 per cent when I am given an opportunity. But selection is certainly not in my hands and I am not going to lose sleep over it," Dinda said. Someone who has curbed his aggressive nature a lot, Dinda would tell you that he wasn`t surprised at all when Sahara Pune Warriors roped him in during IPL trade-off reportedly for an amount more than one million dollars. "I wasn`t surprised as Dada (Sourav Ganguly) had told me that he wants me in Pune Warriors. He has been a constant source of encouragement for me this season. Having someone of his stature on field means that your mistakes are pointed out quite easily and one can take corrective measures," Dinda concluded as he rushed to the airport along with Manoj Tiwary to join the Indian team which will assemble in Mumbai before leaving for Asia Cup. PTI