Stokes Claims 6 Scalps in England Test Series Warm-up
Practice game, Lilac Hill (day one of three)
Development squad 382: Will Jacks 84, McKinney 67; Stokes 6-52
National team: awaiting batting
The England captain produced 6 scalps in his first action following July but England encountered an injury concern about Mark Wood on the first day of their Ashes warm-up versus England Lions in Western Australia.
Skipper's Impressive Comeback
The England captain, making his comeback after approximately four months away with a shoulder problem, delivered sixteen overs across three bowling spells for his 6-52 versus the Lions – all to catches on the on-side.
Wood's Fitness Worry
Pace bowler Wood, himself returning after nine months away with a knee problem, bowled a pre-planned number of eight overs before departing the field in the post-lunch session because of a hamstring problem. He will undergo scanning on Friday.
Wood's injury sucked the energy out of the day, as the Lions were dismissed for three hundred eighty-two on a sluggish pitch after an automatic toss at the venue.
Team Strategy
The tourists aimed to bowl first to get overs in their legs before the first Ashes Test at the main venue, starting on 21 November.
In a possible hint towards their opening Test strategy, the visiting team selected an all-pace attack – four specialists plus the captain – and omitted spin bowler Shoaib Bashir in the Lions.
Batting Highlights
Jacob Bethell didn't strengthen his case for selection in the Test team, making only two, but Jacks boosted his claim to be selected during the series by hitting eighty-four.
Ben McKinney, Cox, 17-year-old Thomas Rew and Matthew Potts also made half-centuries.
Relaxed Environment
The team's decision to play a single warm-up game against the Lions has been questioned by some ex-players but Stokes hit back by labeling the critics "past players".
A low-pressure first day in front of a smattering of fans at Lilac Hill was certainly a world away from what England will face at a packed main stadium the following week.
Captain's Excellent Performance
Stokes was superb in the contest against the Indian team in the domestic season, only to push himself to injury. He was absent from the last match with a torn shoulder.
The captain has not completed a complete participation in any of England's past four tours because of different fitness issues and the tourists' hopes of winning back the Ashes are significantly reduced if he misses any of the five matches in Australia.
He has been practicing at maximum speed for 60 days and appeared in fine shape on the match day, even if he could not believe the way in which some of his dismissals were gifted.
Jacks Pushes Case
Will Jacks is not expected to feature in the opening match – England look to have shown their intentions with the XI selected here. Nevertheless, he may have moved himself in front of the struggling Jacob Bethell with his eighty-four, which came at almost a run a ball.
Prior to the concern over Wood, the five fast bowlers in the team lineup for this match may not have been the bowling unit for the first Test.
Carse was absent from the opening day because of sickness, with his position going to Tongue. Tongue had opening batsman McKinney caught behind just after lunch.
Although the captain took the scalps, Jofra Archer caught the eye. He was lively with the new ball and once more after lunch, when he caused problems for Jacks.
In the absence of Shoaib Bashir and with Wood departing, Joe Root was asked to deliver 14 overs of his spin bowling. It was mediocre fare, costing 117 runs at an run rate of more than eight.
Joe Root at least claimed a wicket in the final session when Matt Fisher somehow hit a full toss to mid-on before Jofra Archer dismissed with a bouncer Matthew Potts for 53 with the last delivery of the day.
