ANDY Bichel grabbed two quick wickets for Worcestershire after they won the toss and put Northamptonshire in to bat in today's Benson and Hedges Cup group clash at Northampton.

The Australian pace ace struck first to remove Graeme Swann for 11 thanks to a catch by Stuart Lampitt off the first ball of the fifth over.

Swann had put on 20 with Michael Hussey who was then joined by Mal Loye.

Hussey was soon into double figures while Loye managed only two before he was bowled by Bichel.

Northants were on 36-2 after 10 overs.

The County relied on the same side which suffered a heavy six-wicket defeat against Gloucestershire at New Road on Monday.

Northants: Hussey (capt), Swann, Loye, Sales, Warren, Penberthy, Cook, Bailey, Phillips, Cawdron, Greenidge.

Worcs: Peters, Solanki, Hick (capt), Smith, Leatherdale, Batty, Bichel, Rhodes, Lampitt, Kabir Ali, Sheriyar.

Umpires: J W Holder, V A Holder.

Herefordshire open their season at Colwall tomorrow against the Midland Club Cricket Conference.