Andy Bichel

Infobox Cricketer


nationality = Australian
country = Australia
country abbrev = AUS
name = Andrew Bichel
picture = Andy Bichel.jpg
batting style = Right hand bat
bowling style = Right arm medium fast
tests = 19
test runs = 355
test bat avg = 16.90
test 100s/50s = 0/1
test top score = 71
test overs = 556
test wickets = 58
test bowl avg = 32.24
test 5s = 1
test 10s = 0
test best bowling = 5/60
test catches/stumpings = 16/0
ODIs = 67
ODI runs = 471
ODI bat avg = 20.47
ODI 100s/50s = 0/1
ODI top score = 64
ODI overs = 542.5
ODI wickets = 78
ODI bowl avg = 31.57
ODI 5s = 2
ODI best bowling = 7/20
ODI catches/stumpings = 19/0
date = 25 April
year = 2005
source = http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/australia/content/player/4146.html Cricinfo

Andrew John Bichel (born 27 August 1970 in Laidley, Queensland) is an Australian cricket player. Primarily a seam bowler, his style is right arm medium fast. However, Bichel is not averse to giving the ball a good thump, and he bats right-handed. He is also known as the 'nice guy' in Australian cricket for his down to earth attitude and great work ethic.

Representing Queensland in the Australian domestic competitions, Bichel has earned a reputation as a hard worker, capable of bowling many overs into a strong wind.

Background

He made his Test debut for the Australian Cricket Team in Adelaide in 1996 in a match against the West Indies, and his One-day International Debut in Brisbane, also against the West Indies. He has played for Queensland's state team, Worcestershire and Essex (England), and the Australian team.

Unfortunately for him, his rise to prominence coincided with the appearance of the younger New South Wales fast bowler Brett Lee, with whom he was often in a battle for a third fast-bowler spot in the lineup (with Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie holding the other two positions). Lee's startling pace and youth often proved the deciding factor, and Bichel now holds the record of being Twelfth Man on 19 occasions. He has recently made comments that he believes his bowling suffered during these times, as he missed out on the valuable match practice that he could have earned either playing for Australia or Queensland.

A highlight of Bichel's career was Australia's 2003 World Cup campaign. Bichel came to Australia's rescue when things were looking shaky on more than one occasion, most notably his 7-20 against England, then he went on with Michael Bevan to score a 73 run 9th wicket partnership to ease Australia to victory.

At the start of the 2004/2005 Australian summer, Bichel was not offered a contract by the Australian Cricket Board, an indication that the Board did not believe he would represent Australia in that season. His performances in the domestic competition, however, have continued at the same high standards as before and it is clear that he wants to make another return to the international scene. Bichel's performances at State level during the 2004/05 domestic season earned him the Domestic Player of the Year award at the 2005 Australian cricket awards. Bichel's absence from the international arena has earned him 'cult' status with some fans in Australia. Fans often come to games with banners calling for Bichel to be brought back into the Australian team, and a 'Bring Back Bichel' campaign has also occurred.

External links

* [http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/australia/content/player/4146.html Cricinfo Profile]