Struggling to recapture your early-season form in the County Championship? Bowlers worrying surgeons more than opposition batsmen? Send for an Australian allrounder to ease your woes. Andy Bichel’s arrival has revitalised a bruised and bullied bowling attack and reignited hopes of a successful season. Bichel is Essex’s first Australian purchase since Stuart Law left in 2001. Mark Waugh, Michael Kasprowicz and Allan Border preceded him. Going Aussie works. “Bichel’s had a great effect on the dressing room,” says captain Ronnie Irani. “He’s got so much experience and we needed help with the bowling a bit. Like all Aussies he’s always up for it; he’s not just over here for a holiday.” Bichel’s impact was immediate. He took eight wickets on his Essex Championship debut against Derbyshire, including 6 for 38 in the second innings to secure a first four-day victory in four tries. He then carried his form into the Twenty20 Cup. There were worries that at 35 he might be past his best but next to the creaking and groaning Alex Tudor and Darren Gough you can almost see him in short trousers.
Daniel Brigham, The Wisden Cricketer