Ben Stokes Secures Six Wickets in England Test Series Warm-up
Tour game, Lilac Hill (first day of three)
England Lions 382: Will Jacks 84, Ben McKinney 67; Stokes 6-52
England XI: still to bat
The England captain delivered six wickets in his return to play following July but the tourists faced an injury concern regarding Mark Wood on the first day of their Test preparation versus England Lions in Perth.
Captain's Outstanding Return
The England captain, returning after approximately four months out with a shoulder problem, delivered 16 overs across three bowling spells for his six for fifty-two against the Lions – all to catches on the leg side.
Mark Wood's Injury Concern
Pace bowler Wood, himself returning after nine months away with a knee injury, delivered a pre-planned number of 8 overs before departing the field in the post-lunch session because of a hamstring issue. He will receive scanning on the following day.
Wood's injury drained the energy out of the day, as the England Lions were bowled out for three hundred eighty-two on a slow track after an automatic toss at Lilac Hill.
Team Strategy
The tourists wanted to bowl first to get overs in their legs before the first Ashes Test at Optus Stadium, starting on November 21st.
In a potential indication towards their first-Test plans, the tourists selected an fast bowling lineup – four specialist bowlers plus the captain – and left spin bowler Bashir in the development squad.
Batting Standouts
Bethell failed to press his case for inclusion in the Test team, making only two, but Will Jacks boosted his credentials to be called upon during the series by swiping eighty-four.
McKinney, Cox, 17-year-old Rew and Potts also scored half-centuries.
Relaxed Atmosphere
England's decision to play a solitary practice match against the Lions has been criticized by some former players but the captain hit back by calling the critics "past players".
A low-pressure first day in front of a smattering of fans at Lilac Hill was definitely a different experience from what the team will face at a packed Optus Stadium the following week.
Captain's Excellent Return
The captain was superb in the series against the Indian team in the domestic season, only to push himself to breaking point. He missed the final Test with a shoulder tear.
The captain has not managed a full part in any of the team's previous four tours because of various injuries and the team's chances of regaining the Ashes are vastly diminished if he is absent from any of the five Tests in the host country.
He has been practicing at maximum speed for 60 days and appeared in fine shape on Wednesday, even if he could not believe the way in which some of his dismissals were gifted.
Will Jacks Strengthens Case
Jacks is not expected to play in the first Test – the team look to have shown their intentions with the eleven named here. Nevertheless, he may have moved himself ahead of the struggling Bethell with his 84, which came at almost a run a ball.
Even before the concern over Mark Wood, the five fast bowlers in the England XI for this game may not have been the attack for the first Test.
Brydon Carse was absent from the opening day because of illness, with his position going to Josh Tongue. Josh Tongue had opening batsman McKinney caught behind just after the break.
Although the captain took the scalps, Archer caught the eye. He was lively with the new ball and again after the interval, when he caused problems for Jacks.
In the omission of Shoaib Bashir and with Mark Wood departing, Joe Root was asked to bowl fourteen overs of his spin bowling. It was average performance, costing 117 at an economy of more than eight.
Root at least took a scalp in the final session when Matt Fisher unexpectedly struck a full toss to mid-on before Jofra Archer bounced out Matthew Potts for 53 with the last delivery of the day.