Stokes Takes Six Scalps in England Ashes Preparation Match
Practice game, Lilac Hill (first day of 3)
Development squad 382: Jacks 84, McKinney 67; Ben Stokes 6-52
England XI: awaiting batting
The England captain achieved six wickets in his return to play following July but England encountered an injury concern involving Mark Wood on the opening day of their Test preparation against England Lions in Western Australia.
Skipper's Impressive Comeback
The England captain, returning after almost four months out with a shoulder problem, delivered sixteen overs across three spells for his 6-52 versus the Lions – all to catches on the on-side.
Mark Wood's Injury Worry
Pace bowler Wood, himself returning after nine months away with a knee problem, bowled a scheduled amount of 8 overs before leaving the field in the afternoon session because of a hamstring issue. He will have a scan on Friday.
Wood's injury removed the energy out of the day, as the Lions were bowled out for 382 on a sluggish pitch after an uncontested toss at Lilac Hill.
Squad Strategy
England aimed to field first to build bowling fitness before the first Ashes Test at Optus Stadium, beginning on November 21st.
In a possible hint towards their opening Test strategy, the visiting team selected an fast bowling lineup – four specialists plus Stokes – and left off-spinner Shoaib Bashir in the Lions.
Batting Standouts
Bethell didn't strengthen his case for inclusion in the Test side, making only two, but Will Jacks boosted his claim to be called upon during the series by hitting 84.
Ben McKinney, Jordan Cox, teenage Rew and Potts also made half-centuries.
Low-key Environment
England's plan to play a single warm-up game against the development squad has been criticized by some ex-players but the captain hit back by labeling the critics "has-beens".
A relaxed opening day in front of a smattering of spectators at Lilac Hill was definitely a world away from what the team will encounter at a sold-out Optus Stadium next week.
Stokes Excellent Performance
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 last match with a torn shoulder.
The captain has not completed a full part in any of England's past four series because of different fitness issues and the tourists' chances of winning back the Ashes are significantly reduced if he misses any of the five Tests in Australia.
He has been bowling at maximum speed for two months and appeared in good condition on Wednesday, even if he could not believe the way in which some of his wickets were gifted.
Jacks Pushes Case
Will Jacks is unlikely to play in the first Test – the team look to have revealed their intentions with the XI named here. Still, he may have moved himself in front of the struggling Jacob 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 bowling unit for the initial match.
Brydon Carse was absent from the opening day because of sickness, with his place going to Tongue. Josh Tongue had Lions opener McKinney edging to the keeper just after the break.
Though the captain took the wickets, Archer caught the eye. He was energetic with the fresh ball and once more after the interval, when he discomforted Jacks.
In the omission of 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 closing stages when Fisher somehow struck a full toss to mid-on before Jofra Archer bounced out Potts for 53 with the last delivery of the day.
