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Journalism of Courage
Sharing the first name with the countrys highest Test wicket-taker,left-arm spinner Diana Edulji,and the last name with the most successful ODI bowler, Neetu David,Diana David seemed destined to become a fine slow bowler. Except,the Hyderabadi didnt start out as one.
I was tall and bowled reasonably quick at the domestic level but I took to spin when I graduated to the senior level. I was considered to be more of a batswoman then. But when I saw Neetu David doing so well for India,I became an off-break bowler, says Diana,who is in England to play the Four-Nation tournament.
The transition was smooth and within one year she made her India debut,bowling in tandem with Neetu,before fading away. It was only in 2009 that she really cemented her place in the side.
I learnt and worked hard on my cricket in those five years. I knew that if I had to attract selectors eyes then I had to be extra-ordinary again. I worked on my flight and variations and did well at the domestic circuit, Diana says.
Till now,she has just played in 11 ODIs and nine T20 matches and has taken 15 and 14 wickets,respectively. But one of her strong backers,Neetu says the team need spinners like her if they are to do well in the 2013 World Cup at home.
Diana has matured as a spinner in the recent years. Most important aspect of her bowling is that she isnt afraid of flighting the ball. Her height also gives her an added advantage, says Neetu speaking to The Indian Express from Kanpur.
