ANDY Bichel returns from international duty for Worcestershire Royals' top-of-the-table Norwich Union League Division One clash against Warwickshire Bears at New Road on Monday (1pm).

The star paceman has missed the County's last six matches while playing 'Down Under' for Australia in a three-match one-day series against Pakistan, who won 2-1.

Bichel returned yesterday to end the temporary appointment of South African pace ace Allan Donald who picked up eight wickets during his spell with the County.

Popular

New Road Director of Cricket Tom Moody said: "It's nice to have him back. We've had a very good cricketer in Donald in his absence but we welcome back Andy as he's a popular guy and a top performer."

The match was originally due to have been played tomorrow, but has been put back a day because of Warwickshire's involvement in today's Benson and Hedges Cup final against Essex at Lord's.

The County go into Monday's clash four points behind Warwickshire who have played one more match.

Moody said: "It's still early days in this competition, but it's the two top teams playing each other and it's a local derby, so it's a big game.

"It's one we want to win. We have already got one over Warwickshire this season in the Benson and Hedges Cup and we want to make it two.

"The other thing is that the guys are glad to be back playing at New Road. It's been a long time."

The star in Worcestershire's Benson victory over the 'Old Enemy' was David Leatherdale who hit an undefeated 43 in a three-wicket victory.

Leatherdale was also a hero for the County in their last league outing when he grabbed five wickets in 21 balls to help beat Durham Dynamos by 121 runs at the Riverside.

Worcs: Solanki, Singh, Hick, Smith, Leatherdale, Batty, Rhodes, Kabir Ali, Lampitt, Bichel, Mason.

Worcestershire beat Warwickshire by eight wickets in their Second XI Championship match at Ombersley.

Warwickshire were all out for 470 in their second innings following centuries from Ian Clifford (110) and Junil Hassan (114). Paceman Alamgir Sheriyar claimed 4-89 off 30 overs.

The County needed 88 in 31 overs to win and lost two wickets before reaching their target off 26.5 overs.