Worcestershire vs. Australia: Final Day Highlights, Recap and Takeaways

Australia and Worcester drew their warm-up match at Edgbaston on Friday. After winning the toss and choosing to bat on the first day, the Aussie batsmen got plenty of time out in the middle.

The bowlers, however, had a much tougher time. They had to toil for their wickets. The batsmen were hardly tested and the bowlers could hardly buy a wicket on the final day. It certainly wasn't the ideal kind of warm-up for the tourists, but there were still a few lessons to take away from it.

With the Ashes just around the corner, we pick five of the best moments from the final day at Edgbaston. Add your thoughts in the comments.

Sometimes It's Better to Call It over Before It's over

Australia's bowlers were never going to get the final five wickets they needed to win. Flat as the pitch might have been, Worcester were never going to get the runs either. Sometimes, no matter how much practice you want your team to get, it's best to call it's over before it's officially over.

Close of play was scheduled for 18:00, but the two skippers called it deuce long before that. Many romantics are opposed to this notion, and many will argue that Australia should have played to the bitter end. Putting their feet up and taking stock of the warm-up is a far better option, though.

A magical hat-trick might have been just around the corner, but that will have to wait for another day. Sometimes the best approach is to put your hands up and say you've had enough. 

Faulkner Stakes His Claim

James Faulkner has only played a handful of international games for Australia, but never a Test. He has been impressive in the warm-ups, though. Even if he doesn't make the starting XI for the first Test, he's given the selectors plenty to ponder.

Mitchell Starc and James Pattinson didn't feature in this warm-up; they had their turn against Somerset. Both had good returns with Starc picking up six wickets and Pattinson bagging seven. It's unlikely that either will make way for Faulkner, but at least the left-armer has proved there is a little bit of depth to the bowling.

It's a long tour for the Aussies, and with their fast bowlers' injury record of late, Faulkner's time might come through another man's casualty. On a flat pitch with very little being in favour of the bowlers, the youngster can hold his head high, though. 

Bowlers Are Forgetting How to Think Batsmen out

With so many fast pitches around the world, tailor-made for bowlers, they are seemingly forgetting how to think. Not the kind of thinking that requires something related to algebra or a philosopher's quotes, but the thinking which gets players out.

When a track is flat, bowlers often seem to just give up, especially towards the latter end of the day. Captains hand overs to part-time bowlers or players who hardly bowl at all. Michael Clarke even gave 
Phil Hughes an over in this match.

Bowlers are no longer being smart, and while Australia would have had little time to assess the weaknesses of Worcestershire's players, they must have at least picked up on one or two things which would have unsettled them.

Apparently not. Just four wickets fell on the final day, and while Australia will still take a lot of confidence from their efforts, they'll have to do far better than being content with just digging in when they come up against England.  

Cricket Can Hurt

As Ed Cowan was fielding at short leg, a ball was pulled into the back of his helmet. He rolled around wincing in pain for a while before returning to where he was fielding. Even with all that protective kit, being hit with a leather coming at you in full pace can still hurt.

Cowan already had to contend with the news that he'd be relegated from the opening spot in the first. A potential dangerous injury was the last thing he needed. Cowan seemed alright at the end of the day, though, but that doesn't mean there aren't risks.

Cowan should have done enough to ensure he retains a spot somewhere in the side, though. He scored 58 off 114 in the first, but he struggled in the second. Cowan managed just 34 off 60. Nonetheless, that should be enough to ensure he stays in the starting XI, for now.

Darren Lehmann Is Keeping His Troops Motivated

Always one for a joke, Darren Lehmann went the extra mile to be "one of the guys" on Friday. After a particularly grafting session, Lehmann appeared carrying the drinks. Kitted out in full Australian gear, Lehmann made his way out to the middle to have a chat.

Much has been said about the firing for Mickey Arthur and the appointment of Lehmann. It's far too soon to say whether he does have the Midas touch, but at least his heart is in the right place.

Something like getting kitted out and carrying drinks might be brushed off as silly and unnecessary in more serious circles, but it was great for the Aussies. After such a long time of doom and gloom, Lehmann's light-hearted approach is just what they need to get into the spirit of things.

Of course the Ashes is serious business, but you have to be able to laugh at yourself from time to time. Lehmann brings a spritely approach to the team–just what's needed to help them relax.