Ben Stokes Claims Six Wickets in England Ashes Preparation Match
Tour game, Perth venue (first day of 3)
Development squad 382: Jacks 84, Ben McKinney 67; Ben Stokes 6-52
National team: still to bat
The England captain achieved 6 scalps in his return to play after July but England faced an injury concern about fast bowler Wood on the first day of their Test preparation versus England Lions in Perth.
Skipper's Outstanding Comeback
The England captain, making his comeback after almost four months away with a shoulder injury, delivered 16 overs across three spells for his 6-52 versus England Lions – all to catches on the leg side.
Mark Wood's Fitness Worry
Pace bowler Mark Wood, himself returning after nine months out with a knee injury, delivered a scheduled amount of 8 overs before exiting the field in the afternoon session because of a hamstring issue. He will undergo scanning on Friday.
The Wood situation drained the intensity out of the day, as the Lions were dismissed for three hundred eighty-two on a slow, low surface after an uncontested toss at Lilac Hill.
Squad Planning
The tourists aimed to field first to get overs in their legs before the initial Test match at the main venue, beginning on 21 November.
In a potential indication towards their opening Test strategy, the tourists selected an fast bowling lineup – four specialist bowlers plus the captain – and omitted spin bowler Bashir in the Lions.
Batting Highlights
Bethell didn't strengthen his claim for selection in the Test side, making only two, but Jacks enhanced his claim to be called upon during the series by swiping eighty-four.
McKinney, Jordan Cox, 17-year-old Thomas Rew and Potts also scored half-centuries.
Relaxed Atmosphere
The team's plan to play a single practice match against the development squad has been criticized by some ex-players but Stokes hit back by labeling the doubters "past players".
A low-pressure first day in front of a smattering of spectators at Lilac Hill was certainly a different experience from what the team will face at a packed main stadium next week.
Captain's Excellent Return
The captain was superb in the contest against the Indian team in the domestic season, only to strain himself to breaking point. He missed the final Test with a torn shoulder.
The skipper has not managed a full part in any of the team's past four series because of different fitness issues and the tourists' hopes of winning back the Ashes are vastly diminished if he misses any of the five Tests in Australia.
He has been practicing at full pace for two months and looked in good condition on Wednesday, even if he could not believe the way in which some of his wickets were presented.
Jacks Pushes Claim
Will Jacks is not expected to feature in the first Test – England look to have shown their hand with the XI selected here. Still, he may have moved himself in front of the struggling Bethell with his 84, which came at nearly run-a-ball pace.
Prior to the concern over Wood, the five fast bowlers in the team lineup for this match may not have been the attack for the initial match.
Carse missed the opening day because of sickness, with his place going to Tongue. Tongue had opening batsman McKinney edging to the keeper just after the break.
Although the captain took the wickets, Jofra Archer impressed observers. He was energetic with the fresh ball and again after lunch, when he discomforted Jacks.
In the absence of Bashir and with Mark Wood leaving the field, Joe Root was required to bowl 14 overs of his spin bowling. It was average performance, conceding 117 at an run rate of over eight.
Root at least claimed a wicket in the closing stages when Matt Fisher unexpectedly struck a full delivery to the fielder before Jofra Archer dismissed with a bouncer Potts for 53 with the final ball of the day.