Australia have given some early insights into their Ashes plan, with four fast bowlers picked and some interesting batting order changes listed for their first tour match against Somerset at Taunton.

At lunch on day one, Somerset were 1-97 after 27 overs, with James Pattinson making the sole breakthrough for the Australians on a flat wicket.

Australia’s four-man pace attack have been presented with a big chance to prove they can take a fast bowling edge in the Ashes, after Somerset decided to bat.

However, perhaps the most telling moments in this match will come when it’s the Australians’ turn to bat.

Shane Watson has been named to open alongside Ed Cowan, with captain Michael Clarke due to come in at second drop and Phil Hughes listed for the unfamiliar position of No.5.

With the frontrunner for an opening spot, Chris Rogers sitting out the match, it appears Watson and Cowan have plenty at stake in Taunton.

Watson’s preferred position is at the top of the order, and the last time he batted there in a first class match he made scores of 84 and 60 against India A in Chennai leading into the four-Test series against India earlier this year.

It’s there that Watson made his only two Test match hundreds, and in his life floating around in other positions in the order, he’s been far less successful.

Clarke has always indicated a preference to bat at No.5, but it appears the skipper has now resolved to move higher up.

Hughes is more accustomed to opening or batting at No.3, but it seems his only chance of salvaging his Test spot is to come in and fire down the order.

Pattinson had figures of 1-16 from five overs at lunch and was the most dangerous of the Australians.

In the fourth over he had Somerset skipper Marcus Trescothick pulling one down to Mitchell Starc, who took a good catch in the deep.

James Faulkner looked dangerous early, but ended up going for 31 runs from his five.

Spinner Nathan Lyon had a couple of big shouts, including one animated appeal for lbw, and had figures of 0-8 from four overs.

The Australians are keen to make an immediate statement under Lehmann after a tumultuous few weeks that culminated with former coach Mickey Arthur’s sacking on Sunday.

The side is wearing black armbands out of respect for the passing of Arthur’s mother, Lynne.