WORCESTERSHIRE'S new pace star Andy Bichel today spoke of his determination to carry on where his fellow Australian Glenn McGrath left off last season.

The 30 year-old has quickly set out his agenda for what he hopes will be a highly successful campaign at New Road.

He said: "There's no doubt I want to get as many wickets as I can. Glenn got a large number last year and in first-class cricket in Australia I like to average myself five wickets a game. Hopefully, I can do that same here."

His priorities include making a major impact in Worcestershire's bid for promotion to the first divisions in both the County Championship and National League.

"I probably don't know the guys that well at this stage, but with Tom Moody here he's obviously going to be keen to do well.

"Hopefully, we can get out of the two second divisions and get up in the top league in both codes. That's what we are setting out to do.

"I'm taking this time before the first game to get to know the guys and find out the way I can help them and how they can help me.

"There's no doubt you sit down at the start of the season and you want to set your goals nice and high and that's to win the top league.

"We are in the bottom divisions at the moment but from all reports we have got some good young players in the squad.

"I'm going to take up my responsibilities and help these guys through the summer and no doubt vice-versa

"I've had a few stints in England playing league cricket, but this is something I've always wanted to do. I'm really looking forward to it."

Bichel believes having fellow Aussie Moody as the County's new Director of Cricket will be a big plus for him.

He said: "I've played against Tom for a long time and seen him play a lot of cricket for Australia. He's done a wonderful job and his input and knowledge of the game will put us in good stead for this summer.

"Him knowing my game will help me and the seasons he's had in Worcester playing in these conditions means he'll be able to tell me which way to go about it.

"I'm looking forward to the whole thing. It will be fantastic with Tom at the helm and with Graeme Hick back playing a lot of cricket here it looks good at this stage.

"I've always thought with the ball swinging that's a big asset to my game and in England the conditions provide that. Hopefully I can get those conditions and take a lot of wickets at Worcester."

Bichel also aims to get his fair share of runs this season. "I've been putting in a lot of hard work on my batting back home and I'm looking forward to scoring some good runs down in the lower order. I feel any contribution I can make can swing a game at certain times."

He also has ambitions to resume his Test career this summer against England.

He said: "After having played my last Test in the summer in Australia and taking five wickets you have got to still think you've a chance of playing again.

"But I am just thankful of the opportunity I have got at Worcester to maybe fulfil that dream and play against England this summer. At this stage, though, I just want take as many wickets as I can for Worcester."