WORCESTERSHIRE may have to think again over their overseas player for next season.

A question mark is now hanging over the availability of new signing Andy Bichel following his call-up into the 13-strong Australian for next week's first Test against the West Indies in Brisbane.

If the Queensland pace ace keeps his place in the squad he could find himself in the Aussies party to tour England next year.

"That's a worry for us," said New Road cricket committee chairman Martin Horton, who admitted the County were aware they may have to find a replacement.

"We didn't expect him to be selected, although we know he's a good bowler obviously.

"At the time of signing him we thought there were at least five or six ahead of him in the pecking order.

"Now he's in their 13 you have to worry about whether he will be available for us next season.

"We might have to look around for a last minute replacement, but they won't be picking their tour party until around February or March.

"But we are conscious of the fact we might lose him and we are thinking of one or two possible replacements. But there are so many little tournaments now which makes it difficult."

Bichel's call up gives him the chance to play in a Test for the first time in nearly three years.

The last of his three Tests was the third match of the 1997-8 home series against South Africa in Adelaide.

Consistent form for his state team in the years since has, however, ensured that he has never been far away from contention for a recall.

Bichel was snapped up by Worcestershire as a replacement for Glenn McGrath who will spearhead the Aussies' attempt to retain the Ashes when they tour England next season.

Meanwhile, New Road secretary Mike Vockins confirmed today that Alamgir Sheriyar will be playing for the County again next season.

He said: "We're delighted that Sheri is to remain a Worcestershire player.

"Although he had asked to be released at the end of the season some of us were never totally convinced that he really wanted to leave, and so we kept open the lines of communication and kept talking to him."

Sheriyar said: "I see myself as a Worcestershire player through and through.

"Last summer I took 27 wickets in ten County Championship games for Worcestershire and felt that if I had played all season I wouldn't have been far off my 1999 record when I took 92 wickets in first-class games.

"That's the sort of contribution I feel I can make to the club and I'm looking forward to being back in action for the Country again."