Essex vs. Australia: Day 2 Takeaways from the Tour Fixture at Chelmsford

When Australia were bowled out for 562 on the second day of their tour match against Essex, it seemed it could lead to a case of deja vu.

The tourists had made 507 for eight declared in their opening fixture, against Kent at Canterbury, then showed their international pedigree by bowling their opponents out for 280.

Essex, however, were not willing to follow the same script.

A century from Tom Westley and an unbeaten 86 from stand-in captain Ravi Bopara helped the county side reach the close of play on 299 for three.

Australia will be pleased that their bowlers have received a good workout, though perhaps a little underwhelmed with their efforts against a Division II side.

With the dust now settled on the day’s play, here are a few key points to take from Thursday’s action.

Lyon Tamed

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Nathan Lyon’s most notable contribution to Australia’s cause during the day came with the bat—he made 41 in a hurry as he and Peter Siddle put on 83 for the last wicket.

When it came to the job he’s actually picked to do, however, the spinner didn’t have quite as much fun.

Called into the attack after Australia skipper Michael Clarke had used all five of his seamers, Lyon was not allowed to settle by Essex’s top order:

Things did calm down as the day wore on, though the 27-year-old still finished with figures of 0 for 110 from his 19 overs.

The slow bowler will be a key part of Australia’s XI, and he told Daniel Brettig of ESPN Cricinfo: "I'm confident in my skill to get the job done for Australia, especially because they've got several left-handers in the squad which I'm quite excited to be bowling at."

Lyon’s confidence should not have taken a hit simply because his first appearance on the trip didn’t go according to plan.

However, Essex may have given England an indication of the best way to deal with him.

Home Comforts

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It has been a mixed season so far for Essex. Their form in four-day cricket has been patchy. In Twenty20 action they have at least picked up the pace of late, winning five of their last six after a dreadful start.

A game against Australia offers the chance for the county to fill their coffers, and, to that extent, it certainly helps when the sun shines.

The fixture also offers a chance for Essex’s players to make a mark against international opponents.

Daniel Bell-Drummond seized that chance in Kent’s second innings on Sunday, and Westley followed suit with a superb hundred for Essex against a strong Australia attack. 

He was particularly savage on Lyon, scoring 57 runs from the 37 deliveries he faced from the off-spinner.

His fun came to an end when he was bowled by Mitchell Starc, ending a second-wicket stand worth 213 with Bopara.

Still, as Westley told Chris Stocks of the Guardian, his performance had been enough to receive a congratulatory text from his county colleague Alastair Cook, who just so happens to be England’s captain.

All-Rounder Watch 

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The race to fill the all-rounder berth in Australia’s XI for the opening Test at Cardiff gathered pace on day one with Mitchell Marsh slamming a century.

Shane Watson—who played in the recent series against the West Indies in the Caribbean—hit a half-century too, though his future in the side was more dependent on his performance with the ball.

Having not bowled at all against Kent, Watson needed to prove he was fit enough to be Australia’s fourth seam option. 

He sent down six wicketless overs against Essex on the second day, though he was economical enough during his limited action.

The same could not be said for Marsh, as his four overs went for 29 runs.

His batting form—he also hit a hundred against Kent—may have Marsh just in front right now, but both players can make a big push to impress the selectors in the second half of the game.