09 February,2009 12:01 PM IST | | AFP
Former Australian Test fast bowler Andy Bichel today announced his retirement from First-Class cricket after 17 seasons.
Bichel, 38, who played 19 Tests and 67 one-day internationals for Australia, said he had been forced to quit because of an ongoing shoulder problem since having reconstructive surgery 14 months ago.
"I don't want to let anyone down," Bichel told a press conference.
"It (the shoulder) is good enough for grade (club) cricket, but I didn't want to go out there (for Queensland) and not do what I used to do."
Bichel captured 58 Test wickets at 32.24 and hit 355 runs with a highest score of 71.
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He finished two games short of 100 First-Class matches for Queensland, but still chalked up an impressive list of milestones and achievements.
He is the second-highest First-Class wicket-taker in Queensland history with 463 wickets, behind only Michael Kasprowicz (505) and is the third-highest wicket-taker in Australian First-Class domestic cricket, behind leg-spinner Clarrie Grimmett and Kasprowicz.
Bichel played 176 matches for Queensland (98 first-class and 78 one-day) and was a member of four First-Class championship teams and three one-day title-winning sides for his state.
