BASILDON-BORN bowler Tom Moore described his double wicket maiden against Australia as “amazing”, although the day belonged to the tourists after they ended on 440-6 after the first day’s play.

The 23-year-old’s fledgling career lifted off inside his first over as he took consecutive Australian wickets, with Chris Rogers and captain Michael Clarke dismissed.

However, a century from Mitchell Marsh, 94 from David Warner and half-centuries for Shane Watson (52) and Peter Nevill (78) put the Aussies in the driving seat but it was the early morning bowling of Moore that grabbed the headlines.

Moore, who had previously only taken eight first-class wickets in his four matches, was making his first appearance of the season for Essex but he didn’t waste time against the tourists as he claimed his first wicket in only his third delivery.

The fast bowler dismissed Rogers for 21, after he nicked the ball through to James Foster behind the stumps.

And he followed that up with the prize scalp of Clarke, who went for a golden duck after edging to Ryan ten Doeschate, who made a flying catch at short square leg.

And Moore said it was a great feeling.

“It was amazing I couldn’t have asked for anything better,” he said. “We spoke about it this morning and I am pleased with a double wicket maiden.

“I have never played at Chelmsford in front of a full crowd before in front of all my friends and family so to get the Aussie captain first ball is a bit of a dream.

“You just need to look at their batting line-up to know how good this team is and we all knew it was a real chance to make an impression with the ball.

“I didn’t give Clarke a send off. I’m not at that stage of my career yet but it is amazing it worked.”

Paul Grayson’s decision to play Moore came as a surprise to many, with the bowler playing for Essex’s second XI against Hampshire only last week, having come through the ranks at Brentwood.

But his selection ahead of the likes of Reece Topley and Graham Napier was vindicated as he ended the day with figures of 2-50 in 14 overs.

Moore was not the only youngster among the wickets, as 22-year-old Jamie Porter dismissed the marauding David Warner for 94, caught by Ravi Bopara, as Australia went about building a meaningful total despite losing the toss.

With the score 135-3 at lunch, Essex were in a good position, with Adam Voges (49) and Shane Watson (52) making meaningful contributions in sweltering conditions at the Essex County Ground.

Ten Doeschate dismissed Watson, after he cut the ball onto his stumps while Voges was run out one ball short of a half-century after a mix up in the middle with Marsh.

But Marsh was proving a formidable barrier in the middle, clubbing five sixes on his way to 136 not out , crossing 100 with a six that cleared the ECG, to stake a strong claim for selection in next Wednesday’s Ashes opener with England.

Essex ended the day with a flourish, as Nevill was dismissed by Jesse Ryder for 78 in the final over, with Peter Siddle set to join Marsh in the middle this morning.