Bichel sends Gloucestershire crashing to defeat

Australian all-rounder Andy Bichel claimed a career-best 6-44 as Worcestershire wrapped up ther first CricInfo County Championshp Division Two success of the season with a 252-run triumph over Gloucestershire in Bristol.

Bichel has already provided several important contributions with the bat since his arrival at Worcestershire this season, but this was comfotably his best performance with the ball.

The 30-year-old Queenslander bowled an excellent line and generated impressive speed at times on an easy-paced pitch.

With Alamgir Sheriyar offering notable support, Worcestershire's win was never in doubt as Gloucestershire, 35-3 overnight, were bowled out for 155 in pursuit of 408 for victory.

The home side continue to set the pace in one-day cricket, but their four-day form has been poor this season.

Chris Taylor and Kim Barnett were dismissed early on as they chased wide deliveries from Sheriyar and Bichel respectively to give catches to wicketkeeper Steve Rhodes.

The Worcestershire wicketkeeper snaffled another catch when Mark Alleyne edged Sheriyar in front of first slip and, from 76-6 in the 36th over, there was no way back for Gloucestershire.

Jeremy Snape and Reggie Williams provided resistance with a seventh wicket stand of 51, but both fell quickly after lunch.

Williams departed for 28 to the third ball after the break when he was caught at second slip by Graeme Hick off Bichel.

Then it became 146-8 when Snape, having struck eight fours in his 42, was well caught at gully by Philip Weston from Bichel's bowling.

James Averis skied a catch to Stuart Lampitt off Matthew Rawnsley's left-arm spin and victory was completed in the next over when Bichel had Jon Lewis caught at first slip.

It was the first time Lewis had been dismissed this season in nine innings in all forms of cricket.