LONDON, July 24 AFP - Worcestershire county cricket club today signed all-rounder Shane Lee as replacement for fellow Australian Andy Bichel for the final two months of the English season.

Bichel is returning to Australia ahead of his country's one-day series in Kenya next month and the ICC Trophy in Sri Lanka.

Lee, who topped Somerset's batting averages in 1996 and has 45 one-day internationals under his belt, has been pencilled in to make his debut against Glamorgan next week.

Worcestershire Australian director of cricket Tom Moody said: "Shane has been able to rest during the Australian winter and will come to us fresh and ready to go.

"Every Australian cricketer is striving for a World Cup place next year and his two months with us gives him an early opportunity to impress.

"He will play a vital role in our final push for honours this season."

© 2002 AFP

This report does not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Cricket Board.