PACE ace Andy Bichel could miss the final month of Worcestershire's season if Australia's plans to take part in another tri-nation one-day series gets the thumbs up.

Earlier this season the Queenslander returned home for a three-match series ag-ainst Pakistan.

Now he is in line to be called up again by the Aussies for a three-team series with Pakistan and New Zealand in Kenya from August 29 to September 7 and with the ICC Champions Trophy set to follow in Sri Lanka later in the month he would not return.

If Bichel is called away the County will be faced with finding a temporary replacement as they did when Allan Donald plugged the gap earlier this season. Donald, however, would not be available this time and neither is Stuart Clark, the Australian fast bowler Director of Cricket Tom Moody had lined up at the start of the campaign when Bichel was selected for Australia's subsequently cancelled tour of Zimbabwe.

New Road Chief Executive Mark Newton said: "We are aware of the impending tour and we have the situation under control. If Andy has to go on tour, then we have a replacement lined up."

n Worcestershire's Steve Davis has been selected for England Under 17s for their match against Ireland Under 18s at Oakham School, Leicestershire, on August 12 and 13.

n Herefordshire made 245-8 declared in reply to Shropshire's 284-9 declared in their Minor Counties clash at Shifnal with Chris Boroughs top scoring with 66. By the close last night Shrophire were 138-4 -- an overall lead of 177.