Ben Stokes Takes 6 Scalps in England Test Series Warm-up
Practice game, Lilac Hill (day one of three)
Development squad 382: Will Jacks 84, Ben McKinney 67; Ben Stokes 6-52
England XI: still to bat
Ben Stokes delivered 6 scalps in his first action after July but the tourists encountered an fitness worry involving Mark Wood on the first day of their Ashes warm-up against England Lions in Perth.
Skipper's Impressive Return
Stokes, making his comeback after almost four months out with a shoulder problem, bowled 16 overs across three spells for his six for fifty-two against the Lions – all to catches on the on-side.
Wood's Fitness Worry
Pace bowler Wood, also making his comeback after nine months away with a knee injury, bowled a pre-planned number of eight overs before exiting the field in the afternoon session because of a hamstring problem. He will receive scanning on Friday.
Wood's injury removed the intensity out of the day, as the England Lions were dismissed for 382 on a sluggish pitch after an automatic toss at the venue.
Team Strategy
England aimed to bowl first to accumulate bowling time before the first Ashes Test at the main venue, starting on November 21st.
In a potential indication towards their first-Test plans, the tourists fielded an all-pace attack – four specialist bowlers plus the captain – and omitted off-spinner Bashir in the development squad.
Batting Standouts
Bethell didn't strengthen his claim for selection in the Test side, making only two, but Jacks boosted his claim to be called upon later in the tour by scoring eighty-four.
McKinney, Cox, 17-year-old Rew and Potts also scored fifties.
Relaxed Environment
England's decision to play a solitary practice match against the development squad has been criticized by some former players but Stokes hit back by labeling the doubters "past players".
A low-pressure opening day in front of a smattering of fans at the ground was certainly a different experience from what the team will face at a sold-out Optus Stadium the following week.
Captain's Excellent Return
Stokes was excellent in the series against India in the domestic season, only to strain himself to breaking point. He missed the final Test with a torn shoulder.
The captain has not completed a full part in any of the team's previous four tours because of various injuries and the team's hopes of winning back the series are vastly diminished if he misses any of the five matches in the host country.
He has been practicing at maximum speed for two months and appeared in fine shape on the match day, even if he could not comprehend the way in which some of his wickets were presented.
Will Jacks Strengthens Claim
Jacks is unlikely to play in the first Test – England look to have revealed their hand with the eleven named here. Nevertheless, he may have moved himself in front of the out-of-sorts Bethell with his 84, which came at nearly run-a-ball pace.
Prior to the doubt over Wood, the five seamers in the England XI for this match may not have been the attack for the initial match.
Carse was absent from the opening day because of sickness, with his place going to Josh Tongue. Josh Tongue had Lions opener Ben McKinney edging to the keeper just after lunch.
Though the captain took the wickets, Jofra Archer caught the eye. He was energetic with the fresh ball and again after the interval, when he caused problems for Jacks.
In the absence of Bashir and with Wood departing, Joe Root was required to deliver 14 overs of his spin bowling. It was average performance, conceding 117 runs at an run rate of more than eight.
Joe Root at least took a wicket in the final session when Matt Fisher unexpectedly struck a full delivery to mid-on before Archer dismissed with a bouncer Matthew Potts for fifty-three with the last delivery of the day.