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Australian fast bowler Andy Bichel will return to Essex County Cricket Club for the second half of the 2007 season.

Bichel, who impressed during a three-month spell at the County last year, has signed a new contract pending all necessary releases and authorisations from Cricket Australia and Queensland Cricket.

The 36-year-old will replace South African paceman Andre Nel, who arrives after the World Cup, as overseas player in mid-June until September 15 (with the possibility of extending his stay beyond that date subject to further discussions).

Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria will perform overseas duties for Essex during the entire campaign to complete an impressive triumvirate of experienced international bowlers at the County’s disposal next season.

Bichel issued the following statement to the Essex CCC website (www.essexcricket.org.uk):

“I am delighted to be re-joining Essex on a short-term basis during the summer of 2007.  We have a lot of talent in the side and I am looking forward to making the most of our opportunities during the season.  We had a lot of close calls last season so I’m pleased to be a part of this side again and will hopefully make amends this year.”

Bichel, who is a veteran of 19 Test matches and 67 One-Day Internationals for Australia, claimed 17 wickets in seven NatWest Pro40 matches last season to play a major role in the Essex Eagles lifting the Division One title.

In addition the Queenslander took 32 wickets @ 30.96 in eight Liverpool Victoria County Championship matches, 14 wickets @ 23.14 in the Twenty20 Cup and also contributed valuable runs down the order.

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It has been announced that the West Indies touring team will take on England ‘A’ at New Road in a One Day game on Thursday 21st June. This would mean the possible return of top one day batsman, Chris Gayle, to the ground where he played as an overseas player.

Chief Executive, Mark Newton, is delighted the County has secured this fixture. “Last year we hosted England ‘A’ v Sri Lanka which proved to be a very high quality match as it meant something to every player. The England ‘A’ players will again want to prove something to the selectors so it should be a very good test for the West Indies. I would expect the match will prove to be a very popular game for our Members and Supporters.”

Other international games to be played at New Road during the season include a County match against Sri Lanka ‘A’ and an U19 Test Match between England and Pakistan. Tickets for all these matches plus all Twenty20 Cup matches are currently available online at www.wccc.co.uk.

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