ANDY Bichel is hoping former South African Test star Allan Donald can help him book a dream appearance with Worcestershire in next month's Benson and Hedges Cup final at Lord's.

The Australian pace ace, who was a hero with the bat in the County's eight wicket win over Gloucestershire at Bristol yesterday, will miss the semi-final showdown against Essex at Chelmsford on June 6, because of international duties.

He hopes Donald, his temporary replacement, will help Worcestershire triumph over Essex who reached the last four yesterday by securing a seven-wicket home win over Yorkshire.

Bichel said: "Allan is champing at the bit. He still wants to play in the World Cup so he's keen to get into county cricket again and be successful.

"He's got the perfect opportunity on a big stage in the semi-final of the Benson and Hedge Cup. I wish him all the best and hopefully I can come back for a Lord's final.

"It's something very special to play in."

Bichel will be unavailable for Worcestershire from June 4 to 21 inclusive because of his selection in the Australian squad for their Super Challenge II series of three one-day internationals against Pakistan.

If the County do overcome Essex he would be able to play in the final on Saturday, June 22.

Regarding the semi-final draw, New Road skipper Graeme Hick said: "I think at this stage it doesn't really matter who you play. I think it just shows that all the four sides who have got through are playing good one-day cricket.

"The only thing I would have liked for the supporters at Worcester was a home draw so we could have a semi-final at New Road. But I'm not too fussed who we have drawn. If we play good cricket I feel quite confident that we can get a good result."

Essex skipper Ronnie Irani said: "We'll be up for it. I'm confident and the home draw is good. We've played well in all forms of cricket this year."

Worcestershire will be aiming to go one better than they did in their last appearance in the semi-final in 1995 when they lost by two wickets at New Road against Lancashire.

In the other semi-final Lancashire will play Warwickshire at Old Trafford on Friday, June 7.