Andy Bichel has been given permission by Queensland Cricket to play for Essex in their final County Championship match at Leicestershire next week.

Bichel had originally been due to return to Queensland on September 14, but he will now return home after the conclusion of Essex's domestic season on September 23.

David East, the Essex chief executive said: "We are extremely grateful to Queensland Cricket for their co-operation in this matter. Andy has played a major role in our success this year since arriving in June and we hope he can continue that form through to the end of the season."