Bichel to replace McGrath

The Worcestershire chairman, John Elliott, has hinted that Glenn McGrath may have bowled his last ball for the county after announcing the signing of Andy Bichel, another Australian pace bowler.

The Worcestershire chairman, John Elliott, has hinted that Glenn McGrath may have bowled his last ball for the county after announcing the signing of Andy Bichel, another Australian pace bowler.

Bichel has been signed to cover for McGrath during next summer's Ashes series. However, Elliott indicated that plans for McGrath to re-sign in 2002 may not be as certain as they seemed. "Much may depend on his international workload between now and then, and how the ACB Australian Cricket Board view it," he said.

Sussex are searching for a new overseas player after Michael Bevan announced that he is to take a year off from county cricket after playing non-stop for seven years.

Meanwhile, Sussex have signed the Australian-born batsman and wicketkeeper Tim Ambrose on a two-year deal. The 18-year-old was born in New South Wales, but qualifies for England.