Ben Stokes Takes 6 Scalps in England Test Series Warm-up
Practice game, Perth venue (day one of three)
Development squad 382: Will Jacks 84, Ben McKinney 67; Ben Stokes 6-52
National team: awaiting batting
Ben Stokes produced six wickets in his return to play after July but the tourists faced an injury concern involving Mark Wood on the first day of their Test preparation versus England Lions in Western Australia.
Skipper's Impressive Return
The England captain, returning after approximately four months out with a shoulder injury, delivered sixteen overs across three bowling spells for his six for fifty-two versus England Lions – all to catches on the leg side.
Wood's Fitness Worry
Fast bowler Wood, also making his comeback after nine months out with a knee problem, delivered a pre-planned number of eight overs before departing the field in the afternoon session because of a hamstring issue. He will receive scanning on the following day.
The Wood situation removed the intensity out of the day, as the Lions were bowled out for three hundred eighty-two on a sluggish pitch after an uncontested toss at the venue.
Squad Planning
England wanted to field first to build bowling fitness before the initial Test match at Optus Stadium, starting on November 21st.
In a possible hint towards their first-Test plans, the tourists fielded an all-pace attack – four specialists plus Stokes – and omitted spin bowler Bashir in the Lions.
Batting Performance Highlights
Jacob Bethell didn't strengthen his case for selection in the Test side, making only two, but Jacks boosted his credentials to be selected later in the tour by scoring eighty-four.
McKinney, Cox, teenage Thomas Rew and Potts also scored half-centuries.
Low-key Atmosphere
England's decision to play a solitary practice match against the Lions has been questioned by some ex-players but Stokes responded by labeling the doubters "has-beens".
A relaxed opening day in front of a smattering of spectators at the ground was certainly a world away from what England will face at a packed Optus Stadium next week.
Stokes Supreme Return
Stokes was excellent 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 torn shoulder.
The skipper has not completed a complete participation in any of the team's past four tours because of various injuries and the team's chances of winning back the series are vastly diminished if he misses any of the five matches in the host country.
He has been practicing at maximum speed for 60 days and appeared in good condition on Wednesday, even if he could not believe the way in which some of his wickets were presented.
Jacks Strengthens Claim
Jacks is not expected to feature in the first Test – England look to have revealed their intentions with the eleven named here. Nevertheless, 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 doubt over Wood, the five fast bowlers in the team lineup for this match may not have been the attack for the first Test.
Carse was absent from the opening day because of illness, with his place going to Tongue. Josh Tongue had opening batsman Ben McKinney edging to the keeper just after lunch.
Though the captain took the wickets, Archer caught the eye. He was lively with the fresh ball and once more after lunch, when he caused problems for Will Jacks.
In the absence of Shoaib Bashir and with Mark Wood departing, Root was asked to bowl fourteen overs of his spin bowling. It was mediocre fare, conceding 117 at an run rate of over eight.
Root at least took a wicket in the final session when Matt Fisher somehow hit a full toss to the fielder before Jofra Archer bounced out Potts for fifty-three with the last delivery of the day.