Bichel warms up well with four for Queensland

Close South Australia 7 for 283 (Flower 82, Blewett 62) trail Queensland 310 by 27 runs
Scorecard

Andy Bichel warmed up for what will be a vital role in next week's first Test against India with a four-wicket haul for Queensland against South Australia at Adelaide Oval.

Bichel took 4 for 58 from 14 overs to swing the match back to even terms late on the second day two after SA had looked set to take a comfortable first-innings lead. In reply to Queensland's first innings of 310, they were 7 for 283 at stumps, with Graham Manou at the crease on 15, and Jason Gillespie on 4.

SA had held the upper hand at 5 for 253 with seven overs left in the day and former Andy Flower, on 82, settled at the crease. But Bichel had Flower caught behind in the first over with the new ball, and then he trapped John Davison lbw in his next over to leave SA on 7 for 264, and into a tight scrap for first-innings points.

"He's a steady head, he's played a lot of cricket and he batted really well," Bichel said of Flower. "We definitely needed to get his wicket today and it was nice to get him with the new ball."

Bichel's haul also included the important scalp of Greg Blewett, who he bowled for 62 to end a 71-run third-wicket partnership with Flower. Bichel is expected to take a senior role in next week's Test at Brisbane in the absence of Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee. Hence Bichel said it was handy to get a first-class workout today after the tour of India.

"The selectors wanted me to play and just get a few more overs under my belt," Bichel said. "I took their advice and came down here and hopefully we can come away with six points."

Flower's innings was his first of note since joining SA this season, as his highest score in six previous innings was 32 against Western Australia at the WACA last month. "It was nice to get a few runs and nice to get some time in the middle for a change, it was also nice to make a contribution to the team," Flower said. "It was a pity I got out as soon as the new ball came on, it was my job to be there for that new ball and see it through but unfortunately it didn't happen."