SYDNEY, Nov 28: Australian paceman Andy Bichel warmed up on Friday for next week’s first Test against India in Brisbane with a four-wicket Sheffield Shield haul for Queensland against South Australia.

Bichel snapped up 4-58 from 14 overs to swing the match back to an even keel late on the second day of the four-day match at Adelaide Oval, after South Australia had looked set to take a first-innings lead comfortably.

At stumps, in reply to Queensland’s first innings 310, South Australia were 283 for seven wickets.

Wicketkeeper Graham Manou is on 15 and Test fast bowler Jason Gillespie four.

South Australia had held the upper hand at 253 for five wickets with seven overs left in the day and former Zimbabwe captain Andy Flower (82) looking settled.

But Bichel had Flower caught behind in the first over with the new ball, then trapped John Davison (four) lbw in his next over to have South Australia plummet to 264 for seven wickets and into a tight scrap for first-innings points.

Bichel’s haul also included the important scalp of South Australian skipper Greg Blewett, whom 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 Brisbane Test, in the absence of injured Test speedsters Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee.

Flower’s innings was his first of note since he joined South Australia this season. His highest score in six previous knocks was 32 against Western Australia. — AFP