Bichel signs for Worcestershire

Andy Bichel: preparing for the 2004 English season © Getty Images

Andy Bichel will play for Worcestershire in the 2004 county cricket season. Bichel, who was their overseas player in the 2001 and 2002 seasons, will be available to begin the season with them in April.

"When the opportunity arose to return to Worcestershire," said Bichel, "it didn't take long for my family and myself to make the decision. We all thoroughly enjoyed our previous spell in Worcestershire and hoped we would be able to return at some stage in the future. The team is certainly stronger now and I look forward to playing my part in securing more success for the club."

Bichel had topped the the county's first-class and one-day bowling averages in 2002, and had taken 102 first class wickets at 26.5 and 68 one-day wickets at 16.1 in his previous stint there. He had also made a one-day century in 2001.

Tom Moody, Worcestershire's director of cricket, said: . "Andy is a quality player who earned great respect amongst his fellow players and our supporters during his previous period with the Club. He gives so much both on and off the field to our Club."