Stokes Secures Six Scalps in English Ashes Warm-up
Practice game, Lilac Hill (day one of three)
England Lions 382: Jacks 84, McKinney 67; Ben Stokes 6-52
National team: still to bat
The England captain produced 6 scalps in his return to play after July but England encountered an fitness worry involving Mark Wood on the first day of their Ashes warm-up versus England Lions in Western Australia.
Captain's Outstanding Return
The England captain, making his comeback after nearly four months away with a shoulder problem, delivered sixteen overs across three bowling spells for his six for fifty-two versus the Lions – all to catches on the on-side.
Wood's Injury Worry
Pace bowler Mark Wood, also making his comeback after nine months away with a knee problem, delivered a pre-planned number of 8 overs before departing the field in the afternoon session because of a hamstring issue. He will have a scan on the following day.
The Wood situation drained the intensity out of the day, as the England Lions were dismissed for 382 on a slow track after an automatic toss at Lilac Hill.
Squad Strategy
England aimed to bowl first to build bowling fitness before the first Ashes Test at the main venue, beginning on November 21st.
In a possible hint towards their opening Test strategy, the visiting team fielded an all-pace attack – four specialists plus Stokes – and left off-spinner Shoaib Bashir in the development squad.
Batting Standouts
Bethell didn't strengthen his claim for inclusion in the Test team, making just two runs, but Jacks boosted his credentials to be called upon during the series by scoring 84.
McKinney, Cox, teenage Thomas Rew and Matthew Potts also scored half-centuries.
Low-key Environment
England's decision to play a solitary warm-up game against the Lions has been criticized by some ex-players but Stokes responded by labeling the critics "has-beens".
A relaxed opening day in front of a small crowd of spectators at Lilac Hill was certainly a different experience from what England will encounter at a sold-out Optus Stadium the following week.
Captain's Supreme Performance
The captain was excellent in the series against India in the domestic season, only to push himself to breaking point. He was absent from the final Test with a shoulder tear.
The captain has not managed a full part in any of England's previous four series because of various injuries and the tourists' hopes of regaining the series are significantly reduced if he is absent from any of the five Tests in Australia.
He has been bowling at maximum speed for two months and looked in fine shape on the match day, even if he could not believe the way in which some of his dismissals were gifted.
Will Jacks Strengthens Case
Will Jacks is not expected to play in the first Test – England look to have shown their intentions with the eleven selected here. Nevertheless, he may have moved himself in front of the struggling Jacob Bethell with his eighty-four, which came at almost a run a ball.
Prior to the concern over Wood, the five fast bowlers in the England XI for this game may not have been the bowling unit for the initial match.
Carse was absent from the opening day because of illness, with his place going to Josh Tongue. Josh Tongue had Lions opener Ben McKinney caught behind just after lunch.
Though the captain took the wickets, Archer impressed observers. He was energetic with the fresh ball and again after the interval, when he caused problems for Jacks.
In the absence of Shoaib Bashir and with Wood leaving the field, Root was asked to deliver 14 overs of his spin bowling. It was average performance, costing 117 at an economy of more than eight.
Joe Root at least took a scalp in the final session when Fisher unexpectedly hit a full delivery to the fielder before Archer bounced out Matthew Potts for 53 with the final ball of the day.
