Five years ago (1992), Tony Gamble, chairman of Milton CC received a phone call at his Cottam home out of the blue from a young Australian wanting to come and play cricket in Bassetlaw. Such was Andy Bichel's exuberance in that opening conversation that it was impossible to say 'no' - And now Tony and the rest of the Milton club have looked on proudly as Andy has forced his way into the Australian Test team.

Here, Tony recalls the arrival of the enthusiastic young player and his time in Bassetlaw.

A call had been expected from Australia following the departure of George Jones to Queensland, the previous Autumn. Many may remember George who first played for Everton C.C. followed by a move to the Retford club whom he captained to the Bassetlaw Division 1A title in the early eighties. He then spent some years in New Guinea before returning to this country, when he played for the Milton club.

However, he and his family decided to return to the other side of the world in November 1991.The Milton club asked him if he could find an up-and-coming young cricketer who would come over to play at Milton in 1992. The young man he found - Andy Bichel.

Two weeks to the minute after that first telephone call the same phone rang again. This time the same young man announced that he had booked and paid for his air ticket, and that he would arrive at Gatwick Airport on April 18th at midday.

That was the story of how such a very talented cricketer became a player at the small Milton club. He was regarded by many to be one of the fastest bowlers who has ever bowled in this area. He was, without doubt, one of the best hitters of a cricket ball seen on local grounds and his fielding and catching were second to none.

It was no surprise therefore that he was a great success in his season at the Riverside ground. He scored 959 runs at an average of 73.77 and took 50 wickets at an average of 14.98 each, as well as taking many catches. In one innings against Roses he hit six sixes in one over.

During his stay he also played for Sutton-on-Trent, East Drayton and made guest appearances for other teams. It is interesting to note that the county club showed no interest in him in spite of the fact that he was very impressive in a benefit game at Milton against a Notts XI.

Andy returned to Laidly in Queensland which is 80 was miles from Brisbane and the world famous Gabba Cricket Ground.

During his time in England he had been asked to play for 'Souths' Alan Border's club, on return to Australia. So great was his impact on the Brisbane scene at the start of their new season that by mid October his name was being considered to play for Queensland in the Mercantile Mutual Cup.

It was an injury to Carl Rackeman which allowed Andy his big chance and he made his debut for his state less than two months after leaving Milton. This was soon followed by a place in the side to play in the Sheffield Shield and a regular place in the side.

To gain further experience, he came over to England again in 1994 when he played in the Central Lancashire League as a professional for Walsden. During that season he again came over and stayed at Cottam and played in a couple of games at Milton including another benefit game against a Notts XI.

The correspondent and his wife renewed their connection with Andy and his fiancée Dione on a visit to Australia last Autumn. By that time the name Bichel was one of the first penciled in on the Queensland team sheet following the state's winning of the Sheffield Shield in 1994-95 and Mercantile Mutual Cup in 1995-96.

Fine performances in both these competitions throughout October including five wickets in each innings against New South Wales - his first innings included the wickets of Australian captain Mark Taylor and both the Waugh brothers - brought his name to the attention of the Australian selectors.

The first recognition of these performances was selection for a Northern Territories Invitation XI against the West Indies touring team, in Alice Springs on November 12. I was there! This was followed by a place in Australia 'A' team against the tourists in Hobart, Tasmania, which was televised Australia-wide and Brian Lara was one of Bichel's four victims in the first innings Further fine performances in Sheffield Shield games saw Andy become the leading wicket taker in Australia with 29 wickets at an average just over 16 runs apiece. This brought selection for the remaining games in the Carlton and United One Day Tournament against both West Indies and Pakistan.

Failure to qualify for the final of this competition was a disappointment but this was made up for Andy by his dismissal of the cream of the Pakistan batting in the last game in Melbourne.

This fine performance brought selection for the full Australian Test Match against West Indies in Adelaide on January 25. This established the name of Andy Bichel as opening partner with Glen McGrath in the Australian attack and the match resulted in an easy win for the home team. He again opened the bowling the following week at Perth, unfortunately with not so much success, as West Indies pulled one back in the series.

Between these last two Tests the fourteen man touring side to go to South Africa was announced and it included the name of Andy Bichel. The only one selection now Andy has to look forward to is to come to this summer's tour of England that will make his dream season complete.

All those who met him during his time with Milton will be keeping their fingers crossed for him and will look forward to renewing their friendships once again with this fine young cricketer.

Andy Bichel - Milton
Worcestershire & Australia