New Delhi, Feb 14: Former Queensland fast bowler Joe Dawes will be the new bowling coach of India, as the Board Of Control For Cricket In India (BCCI) has decided to hire him and not to renew Eric Simons' contract.

The decision not to renew Simons' contract was taken at the BCCI working committee meeting in Chennai Monday. Simons' contract expires at the end of the ongoing Australia tour.

The former South African all-rounder was part of Gary Kirsten's coaching staff but decided to stay on with the Indian team after Kirsten left to take over the reigns of the South African team.

The new bowling coach, Dawes has played 76 first-class matches for Queensland between 1997 and 2005. However, his career was cut short by a knee injury following which he took up to coaching. 

In June 2011, Dawes became the bowling coach of South Australia where he along with Darren Berry was instrumental in helping the young fast bowlers. He also had a stint with the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League. 

"I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Darren Berry and being part of the culture he has fostered with the Redbacks and the Strikers," Dawes said. "To be able to take that knowledge and apply it in the international arena was too great an opportunity to miss." 

Dawes said he was optimistic about the abilities of young India bowlers.

"I can also see lots of emerging talent within the Indian group and it is very exciting to be able to move into a strong system within the BCCI."