FORMER Warwickshire pace star Allan Donald admits that his chance of playing for Worcestershire next month has come as a complete surprise.

Official confirmation of his ap-pointment as a temporary replacement for Andy Bichel was due at New Road later today.

As expected, Bichel has been selected to play for Australia in the Super Challenge II series against Pakistan in Melbourne and Brisbane.

The three one-day internationals on June 12, 15 and 19 means he will miss a clutch of Worcestershire matches between June 4 and 21.

His selection had been anticipated by the County's Director of Cricket Tom Moody who moved swiftly to check out Donald's availability.

The 35-year-old former South African Test ace, who is currently playing for Knowle & Dorridge in the Birmingham League, said:

"I had an approach from Tom after the Benson and Hedges Cup match at Edgbaston. He wanted a chat and I was a bit surprised and pleased when he asked me about playing for Worcestershire.

"It will be very strange putting on a green cap after all these years playing for Warwickshire.

"I'm glad it's mainly one-dayers I'll play because I didn't want to play a lot of Championship cricket. It will be a good way to build up for the World Cup next year.

"Whoever I play for I'm always committed. My fitness is really good at the moment. I've benefited from a break from competitive cricket."

Bichel's absence means Donald is likely to face three Norwich Union League matches, one Frizzell County Championship game, a possible Benson and Hedges Cup semi-final and a possible Cheltenham & Glou-cester fourth round tie.