Kent vs. Australia: Lessons Learned from Tour Match at Canterbury

Australia kicked off their tour of England with a 255-run win over Kent at Canterbury.

Michael Clarke's side enjoyed the perfect warm-up ahead of the first Test against England in Cardiff.

The batsmen enjoyed time in the middle—Australia made 829 runs combined over their two innings, with three players scoring centuries—and the bowlers got useful overs under their belt.

But the match was more than just a chance to get acclimatised at the start of a long trip.

There are still spots in the Test XI up for grabs, and the competition to play in that Ashes opener is fierce.

Here are a few lessons we learned after the tourists' emphatic triumph in the four-day fixture.

David Warner will open the innings for Australia at the start of the Ashes, that much is certain.

Who will be his batting partner at the top of the order, however, remains less clear. 

Chris Rogers was seemingly going to fill the spot going into the recent tour to the Caribbean, only to miss the short Test series against West Indies due to concussion.

Shaun Marsh stepped in and averaged 37.33, hitting one half-century. His numbers were solid, if unspectacular. 

However, he was part of a successful side that swept the hosts 2-0.

The two rivals for one spot were given the opportunity to open together against Kent—and both scored runs.

Rogers made 84 and 45 in his two knocks, while Marsh hit 114 in the first innings before dropping down the order second time around.

Australia's selectors face a tricky decision. Per Sportal.co.nz, Rogers will play in the next tour fixture, against Essex, opening alongside Warner. Could that be a hint of things to come?

Shane Watson and Mitchell Marsh are also battling it out for a berth in Australia's Test team.

Watson was the man in possession of the place against West Indies most recently, but he scored just 36 runs in his two innings on that tour.

He made 21 and 81 against Kent, though it is not his batting that will decide whether or not he keeps his place.

Australia will want some overs out of their all-rounder, whoever it is. Watson, though, did not send down a single delivery against Kent.

Australia coach Darren Lehmann said of Watson after the win at Canterbury, per Daniel Brettig of ESPN Cricinfo: "I thought he bowled really well in the West Indies, for a short amount of time so we know that's important for us especially in England, he shapes the ball nicely so he's going to have to bowl well."

Marsh did have a bowl against Kent, picking up a wicket in each innings.

He also thrashed a century on the third day, hitting five sixes and 12 fours before retiring out on 101.

Lehmann confirmed, per Brettig's article, that both Marsh and Watson will play against Essex, giving them a further chance to press their claims for selection before the series against England.

Mitchell Johnson was England's tormentor in the last Ashes series, played on Australian soil. He claimed 37 wickets as the hosts sealed a 5-0 whitewash.

His record in England is not quite as impressive—he averages 37.73 with the ball in seven Tests, compared to his career mark of 27.58.

However, the left-arm paceman was outstanding in the first innings against Kent, suggesting he's determined to be on top form against the old enemy.

Johnson picked up four for 56, with Scyld Berry of the Telegraph reporting: "At 33 he might not quite have the pace that overwhelmed England in Australia 18 months ago but enough ferocity remained for Johnson to strike sparks from the slow pitch and apprehension in several Kent batsmen."

Australia have a wealth of riches when it comes to fast bowling, but Johnson will still be the centre of attention during the summer.

He will not just want to silence the English crowds, but also show he is still the spearhead of the attack.

Fawad Ahmed was always going to start the series as Australia's second spin option.

With first-choice slow bowler Nathan Lyon not picked to play against Kent, Ahmed had the chance to impress the selectors.

Instead the leg-spinner suffered at the hands of the county's batsmen, recording match figures of four for 156.

He did dismiss former England international Rob Key twice, but he also went at an economy rate of 8.22 in Kent's second innings.

Ahmed carried the drinks during the recent tour of the West Indies, despite the pitches in the Caribbean offering the possibility to play two slow bowlers in the same XI.

It seems the Pakistan-born bowler will be watching on from afar during the current trip, unless it's a seriously hot summer or Lyon picks up an injury.

Tour matches are not just there for the international side to get some all-important match practice.

Playing against a visiting Test nation also offers the opportunity for county players to make a name for themselves—there is increased media focus as you pit yourself against top-class opposition.

Daniel Bell-Drummond certainly made the most of the chance to face Australia's bowling attack.

The Kent batsman, who has played for England at youth level, took the aggressive approach in attempting to bat out the final day for a draw.

His reward for a positive mindset was a dazzling knock of 127 from 112 deliveries.

The 21-year-old admitted that it was a special day, per Vic Marks of the Guardian: "I can’t quite believe it’s happened against the best attack in the world that I watched on TV when I was growing up.”

Kent may have lost, but Bell-Drummond's innings was a real plus point for them.