WORCESTERSHIRE have made two close season signings -- but one certainly doesn't need any introduction to the New Road faithful.

That's Australian pace star Andy Bichel, who played for the County in 2001 and 2002.

The other is seamer Nadeem Malik, a former England under 19 star who has signed a two year deal after deciding his future lay away from Nottinghamshire.

Thirty three year old Bichel replaces South African Nantie Hayward as one of Worcestershire's overseas campaigners for the new season.

His return has delighted County supporters who are hoping the popular Test ace will make the same kind of impact he made in his previous spell at New Road.

During his two year stint he claimed 102 first-class wickets at an average of 26.50 and 68 one-day scalps at 16.10.

Bichel, who topped the County's first-class and one-day averages during his second season at New Road, said: "Worcestershire have gone forward as a team since 2002 and it's important that we don't just aim to stay in the first division of the County Championship this summer.

"I want to be successful in both one-day and four-day cricket and together we need to build on the performances of the past two seasons."

Bichel is delighted to link up again with fellow Aussie Tom Moody, the County's director of cricket.

He said: "Tom has some great ideas about cricket and he has that 'win at all cost' Australian approach to the game.

"He is energetic, up front with the players and he knows how to motivate them. Although he might occasionally work the players a bit too hard, he also knows when we need a rest."

Bichel added: "When the opportunity arose to return to Worcestershire it didn't take long for my family and myself to make the decision. We all thoroughly enjoyed our previous spell in Worcestershire and hoped to be able to return at some stage in the future.

"The team is certainly stronger now and I look forward to playing my part in securing more success for the club."

Moody said: "Andy is a quality player who earned great respect among his fellow players and our supporters during his previous period with the club. He gives so much both on and off the field."

Moody is also happy to have snapped up six feet five inch Malik, who has toured India and New Zealand with England Under 19s.

The Nottingham-born youngster has played in 14 first-class matches during which he has collected 35 wickets at an average of just over 34, the first being that of his new County team-mate Graeme Hick.

Malik almost arrived at New Road last season, but opted to stay on at Nottinghamshire in the hope of breaking into the first team.

He made just two appearances last year, however, and decided it was time to make a change, saying: "My opportunities were limited at Notts and this move gives me a chance to break into the Worcestershire team and, if all goes well, stay there.

"I want to go all the way to the top and play for England. There's a lot of work to do before I get there, but I think moving to Worcestershire will give me a chance to do that.

"Something is working right here at New Road. You only have to look at the transformation for Gareth Batty. You also look at the progress Kabir Ali and Vikram Solanki have made and you know that Tom Moody is making a massive different. He's a big reason why I came here and hopefully I can go along the same lines as those players.

"When my contract was up at Notts last season, I was very close to making the move to Worcestershire. For whatever reason I decided to stay at Notts and maybe that was the wrong move.

"Maybe I wasted a year but I've learned from that and I'm delighted to be at Worcestershire."

Moody said the capture of Malik was a 'real coup', adding: "He has already demonstrated his enormous potential in first-class cricket and I am confident we can help him build on that and become a top class performer."