Worcestershire sign Bichel for 2001 season

Worcestershire have announced the signing of Australian Andy Bichel for the 2001 season. 30 year old Bichel has represented Australia in 3 Tests and 17 one day internationals, and plays for Queensland in Australian domestic cricket. He is Worcestershire's third Australian overseas player in a row, and was recommended by his predecessors Tom Moody and Glenn McGrath.

Bichel has been seen as something of a one day specialist in Australia, and can be compared to Gloucestershire's Ian Harvey. He does not possess terrific speed, but bowls a tight line and length. He has the ability to swing the ball, predominantly away from the bat, and uses changes of pace to further confuse batsmen. The New Road surface should suit him well.

Bichel, who was Queensland's player of the year last season, had been signed by Hampshire for the 1998 season, but was forced to pull out when he was selected for the Australian A tour of Scotland and Ireland. It is also likely that he will strengthen the Worcestershire tail, having a first class century to his name.

Worcestershire chairman John Elliott also hinted that Glenn McGrath might not be back at the club for the 2002 season. "Much may depend on his international workload between now and then, and how the ACB (Australian Cricket Board) view it," he warned. "We were determined to go for an experienced player who will be available for the whole summer," Elliott added. "A number of top players approached us, but the increasing number of international series which cut across the English summer, meant they were unlikely to be here for a whole season."

McGrath himself admitted that the ACB had been wary of his signing for a county, and also expressed disappointment with the slow pitches. It may be that after a season that brought him 80 wickets, New Road has seen the last of the great Australian.