After helping Worcestershire win limited-overs promotion on the final day of the English domestic summer, Queensland fast bowler Andy Bichel has signed a new one-year contract to continue as the county's overseas player next season.

The Australian's first season at New Road was generally seen as an outstanding one. He claimed 66 wickets at moderate cost at first-class level and complemented that contribution with three well-struck half-centuries on his way to scoring 627 runs with the bat. The 31-year old was also dominant in the one-day arena, claiming 42 wickets at an average of 17.04 and including a century among a tally of 349 runs from 18 innings as a batsman.

Fittingly, on the final day of the 2001 season, Bichel returned the magnificent figures of 2/3 from 4.2 overs as the Royals ensured themselves of promotion to the top flight of National League competition. While Worcestershire will remain in Division Two in first-class ranks next season, the victory over Essex ensures a return to elite one-day status after a disappointing end to 2000.

The experienced speedster was recruited to take over the role as Worcestershire's overseas player from fellow Australian Glenn McGrath at the start of this year. He will now continue to fill the position ahead of McGrath's expected return in 2003.

© 2001 CricInfo Ltd