Date:04/03/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/03/04/stories/2003030400562400.htm

Sport - World Cup

Bichel has a ball

PORT ELIZABETH March 3. Australian Andy Bichel hailed his man-of-the-match performance against England on Sunday as the best of his career.

Bichel, playing only because of an injury to Jason Gillespie, took seven for 20, the second best figures in the tournament's history, before making a courageous unbeaten 34 to see his side to a two-wicket victory with two balls to spare.

``That's my best day ever, there's no doubt about that,'' he told reporters. ``To go out, get seven wickets, then be there at the end when the winning runs are scored and walk off having scored 34 not out from No. 10, it's hard to even dream about those sort of days.''

Bichel's effort with the ball, which included an opening spell of four for 12 in six overs, has been bettered only once in World Cup history — by teammate Glenn McGrath, who took seven for 15 against Namibia on Thursday.

``It meant there was a bit of banter happening out there,'' said Bichel.

``He was reminding me of his seven-for and then welcomed me into the seven-for club when I got there.

``I had enough chances to get eight wickets as well and I probably should have too as I think I had eight balls to take another wicket. Glenn was right behind me to do it as well.''

Bichel's `nearly man' tag has been well earned. Since his international debut in 1997, he has been 12th man for Australia in Tests and one-day internationals 25 times, more than any other player.

It means he knows the value of patience and also the need to take any chance he gets.

``This is a fantastic side and I've been around it for a long while now,'' he said. ``It means you are always having to be ready at certain times for an opportunity to go and my main goal is to make sure I am ready for that opportunity.

``I have managed to do it a couple of times now and, hopefully, it means I can get in there and play next week.''

Bichel's seven-wicket haul means he now has 12 wickets at 2.92 runs each in three World Cup matches and that sort of form, on top of his batting effort, means Australia's selectors face a tough problem if Gillespie is fit for the first Super Six match on Friday.