Essex vs. Australia: Days 3 and 4 Takeaways

Australia’s preparations for the Ashes concluded in the best way possible as they beat Essex by 169 runs in Chelmsford, the perfect way to warm up for the first Test against England.

The Baggy Green’s next assignment will be the first Test in Cardiff, and they have plenty of selection issues to consider ahead of that game.

One player who will not be available is Ryan Harris, who announced his retirement during the game as he succumbed finally to his injury problems.

With one of their most influential recent performers now definitely out, the onus was on the Australia bowlers to prove themselves capable ahead of the start of the Ashes.

They did so as they dismissed the hosts for just 200 in their second innings on the final day, having had a mixed time of it with the bat on the third day in addition.

With that in mind, let’s examine some takeaways from the last two days of the game, with a particular focus on the Australian tourists.

Michael Clarke scores some much-needed runs

Australian captain Michael Clarke has been in indifferent form in recent months, but on the third day against Essex, he looked to be approaching something like his best with the bat.

Clarke scored 77 and was the only visiting batsman to pass 50 in the second innings as the away side managed 221.

It was an innings made on a decent pitch that was starting to deteriorate and was definitely necessary for his side as few others managed to apply themselves properly.

The next-highest score for Australia was the 37 made by Mitchell Marsh, while Chris Rogers was the only other batsman to pass 30.

Clarke will be delighted to have contributed in such a big way for his team, especially with the Test series coming up very soon indeed.

Mitchell Starc shines in return to World Cup form

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Left-arm seamer Mitchell Starc has sometimes struggled to recapture the form that made him such a potent bowler in the recent World Cup, but on the third and fourth day here, he did just that.

Starc had problems with his control early in the third day, but he settled into a groove as he finished with 6-51 in 20.2 overs.

It was an extraordinary turnaround, especially as he took four of his wickets in the space of 20 balls for just five runs.

In the second innings on Day 4, Starc was needed to contribute once again and did well to take 3-26 and help his side to the win.

He dismissed the dangerous trio of Jesse Ryder, Ravi Bopara and James Foster in doing so, showing he remains potent against the best batsmen on offer.

With Harris now unavailable, Starc showed himself to be a possible long-term successor to the retired fast bowler.

He will need to find some consistency, but his wickets here will definitely give him confidence.

Josh Hazlewood recovers to look the part for Australia

Initially, it was difficult for Australia seamer Josh Hazlewood on the fourth day, as Ryder creamed him for 26 runs in his first over.

However, Hazlewood managed to recover and ended with 4-42 from eight overs, with his last seven costing just 16 runs.

He also took the crucial wicket of Ryan ten Doeschate, whom he caught leg before wicket for 61, with the Dutchman looking able to make things difficult.

Hazlewood has done well in recent Tests for Australia, and his performance on the final day here will give him plenty of heart.

Australia recover well with ball on third day

Things looked tough at the start of the third day for Australia, as they arrived at the ground with Essex 299-3 overnight and looking capable of getting close to the visitors’ 562.

However, what followed was a strong effort from the Baggy Green bowlers, as they went on to restrict Essex to 414 all out on the third day.

It was inspired by Starc, and he was aided and abetted by Marsh, who chipped in the crucial wickets of Ryder and centurion Ravi Bopara.

Plenty to think about for Australia selectors

There is a great deal of depth in this Australia squad, especially in the batting department.

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Shane Watson has probably done enough to keep his place over Marsh, although the pair of them not making a score in the second innings was troubling.

Adam Voges also had a difficult second innings as he made just one run before being dismissed lbw, while David Warner will be disappointed to make just four.

Next in line for the middle order is perhaps Shaun Marsh, who helped his case with 114 as an opener against Kent in the previous warm-up game.

Perhaps his case has been helped more by his team-mates failures, although the only way the will truly be revealed is on that first morning in Cardiff.

Conclusions

This was another strong win for Australia, who go into the first Test full of confidence having taken two straight victories.

The third and fourth days were certainly interesting, especially as the visitors did not have it all their own way against a spirited Essex side.

Their preparatory games have certainly been useful exercises, though, and will place them in good stead for the start of the Ashes.