🔗 Share this article Ben Stokes Secures Six Scalps in England Ashes Warm-up Practice match, Perth venue (first day of three) England Lions 382: Jacks 84, Ben McKinney 67; Stokes 6-52 National team: yet to bat Ben Stokes achieved six wickets in his first action after July but England encountered an fitness worry about fast bowler Wood on the first day of their Ashes warm-up against the development squad in Perth. Captain's Outstanding Return The England captain, making his comeback after almost four months out with a shoulder injury, delivered sixteen overs across three bowling spells for his 6-52 versus England Lions – all to catches on the on-side. Wood's Injury Concern Fast bowler Wood, himself returning after 9 months out with a knee injury, delivered a pre-planned number of eight overs before departing the field in the post-lunch session because of a hamstring problem. He will receive scanning on Friday. Wood's injury sucked the intensity out of the day, as the England Lions were bowled out for 382 on a slow track after an uncontested toss at Lilac Hill. Squad Strategy The tourists aimed to field first to accumulate bowling time before the initial Test match at the main venue, starting on 21 November. In a possible hint towards their first-Test plans, the visiting team selected an fast bowling lineup – four specialists plus Stokes – and left off-spinner Shoaib Bashir in the development squad. Batting Performance Standouts Bethell didn't strengthen his case for selection in the Test team, making just two runs, but Jacks enhanced his credentials to be called upon during the series by hitting eighty-four. Ben McKinney, Jordan Cox, teenage Thomas Rew and Matthew Potts also scored fifties. Relaxed Atmosphere The team's plan to play a solitary warm-up game against the Lions has been questioned by some ex-players but Stokes responded by labeling the doubters "has-beens". A low-pressure opening day in front of a small crowd of fans at Lilac Hill was certainly a different experience from what the team will face at a packed Optus Stadium next week. Captain's Excellent Return Stokes was superb in the contest against the Indian team in the domestic season, only to strain himself to injury. He was absent from the final Test with a torn shoulder. The captain has not managed a complete participation in any of the team's past four tours because of different fitness issues and the team's chances of regaining the Ashes are significantly reduced if he misses any of the five Tests in Australia. He has been practicing at full pace for two months and looked in good condition on the match day, even if he could not believe the way in which some of his dismissals were gifted. Will Jacks Strengthens Claim Jacks is not expected to play in the first Test – England look to have shown their hand with the eleven selected here. Nevertheless, he may have nudged himself in front of the out-of-sorts Bethell with his 84, which came at almost a run a ball. 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 first 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 scalps, Jofra Archer impressed observers. He was lively with the new 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 off-spin. It was mediocre fare, costing 117 at an run rate of over eight. Joe Root at least took a wicket in the closing stages when Fisher somehow struck a full delivery to the fielder before Jofra Archer dismissed with a bouncer Matthew Potts for 53 with the final ball of the day.