Gloucestershire keen on Bichel

Gloucestershire are interested in signing Andy Bichel, the Australian fast bowler, as their second overseas player for next season.

Bichel spent two successful years with Worcestershire in 2001 and 2002, and played a big part in Australia's 2003 World Cup triumph and Ashes win last year.

Mark Alleyne, Gloucestershire's player-coach, told BBC Sport: "He is someone we would consider. His hustle and bustle would fit well with this club." However, he sounded a note of caution regarding the Australian board's willingness to let Bichel play. "We don't know of his availability which is one of our problems with the overseas players at the moment," Alleyne said. "CA [Cricket Australia] is very strict, but if Bichel was available he would definitely be someone we would consider."

Gloucestershire, who have lost the services of last season's successful pair of Ian Harvey and Jonty Rhodes, have signed Shoaib Malik, the Pakistani allrounder, for 2004.