Evergreen Queensland Bulls fast bowler Andy Bichel is looking to use Cairns as a springboard into a big season for both himself and his team.

Bichel, who turns 37 next month, is hoping to play his first game in almost eight months after a shoulder problem restricted him to just three first-class matches last summer.

The second leading wicket-taker in Queensland history underwent surgery in November and takes his first step back when the Bulls play New Zealand in the three-day, Twenty20 and 50-over games at Cazalys Stadium from Tuesday.

Admission to all games is free.

The seasoned campaigner is unsure whether he will bowl at this stage, but his big hitting is expected to be used in at least one of the shorter games.

"For me it's massive just getting back on the field, and working out where we're at as a team," Bichel said.

"We've got a new captain and a new coach, and we want to start building those bridges to really launch ourselves into the start of the season."

Despite his age, Bichel is determined to return to the sort of form that saw him dominate with both bat and ball for Essex in last year’s English County cricket season, and win Bulls Pura Cup Player of the Year in 2006-07.

"For me it's never been a problem getting out of bed to play cricket.

"For some guys its harder, but my fitness has held me in good stead over the years.

"I haven't done a pre-season for a long time because I've generally been playing cricket.

"But I still feel right at home in a pre-season getting flogged on the grounds around Queensland Cricket.

"I’m feeling a lot younger than what I really am."

Bichel has taken 463 first-class wickets at 23.43 for Queensland in a career that began in 1992-93, and played 19 Test matches for Australia, having spent time in Cairns previously with the national squad.

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