Stokes Claims 6 Scalps in England Ashes Warm-up
Tour game, Lilac Hill (day one of three)
Development squad 382: Jacks 84, McKinney 67; Stokes 6-52
National team: still to bat
Ben Stokes produced 6 scalps in his return to play since July but England faced an fitness worry regarding fast bowler Wood on the opening day of their Test preparation versus the development squad in Perth.
Captain's Impressive Comeback
The England captain, returning after nearly four months out with a shoulder problem, bowled sixteen overs across three spells for his 6-52 against England Lions – each to catches on the on-side.
Wood's Injury Concern
Pace bowler Mark Wood, himself returning after nine months away with a knee problem, delivered a pre-planned number of eight overs before departing the field in the post-lunch session because of a hamstring issue. He will undergo scanning on Friday.
Wood's injury sucked the energy 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 build bowling fitness before the first Ashes Test at the main venue, beginning on 21 November.
In a potential indication towards their first-Test plans, the tourists fielded an all-pace attack – four specialists plus the captain – and omitted spin bowler Shoaib Bashir in the development squad.
Batting Performance Standouts
Jacob Bethell failed to press his case for inclusion in the Test team, making just two runs, but Will Jacks enhanced his credentials to be selected during the series by hitting 84.
McKinney, Jordan Cox, teenage Rew and Potts also made half-centuries.
Relaxed Environment
England's plan to play a solitary practice match against the Lions has been questioned by some ex-players but Stokes responded by calling the critics "former players".
A low-pressure opening day in front of a small crowd of fans at Lilac Hill was certainly a different experience from what England will face at a sold-out main stadium the following week.
Stokes Supreme 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 last match with a torn shoulder.
The skipper has not completed a full part in any of the team's past four tours because of different fitness issues and the tourists' hopes of regaining the series are significantly reduced if he misses any of the five Tests in the host country.
He has been bowling at maximum speed for 60 days and appeared in fine shape on Wednesday, even if he could not comprehend the way in which some of his dismissals were gifted.
Jacks Pushes Claim
Will Jacks is unlikely to play in the first Test – England look to have revealed their intentions with the XI named here. Still, he may have moved himself ahead of the out-of-sorts Jacob Bethell with his 84, which came at nearly run-a-ball pace.
Prior to the doubt over Wood, the five fast bowlers in the England XI for this game may not have been the attack for the initial match.
Brydon Carse missed 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.
Although the captain took the scalps, Jofra Archer caught the eye. He was energetic with the fresh ball and again after lunch, when he caused problems for Jacks.
In the omission of Bashir and with Wood leaving the field, Root was required to bowl fourteen overs of his off-spin. It was mediocre fare, costing 117 at an run rate of more than eight.
Root at least took a scalp in the final session when Fisher unexpectedly hit a full toss to mid-on before Jofra Archer bounced out Matthew Potts for fifty-three with the final ball of the day.