🔗 Share this article Stokes Takes 6 Scalps in England Ashes Preparation Match Tour game, Perth venue (first day of three) England Lions 382: Jacks 84, McKinney 67; Stokes 6-52 England XI: awaiting batting The England captain delivered 6 scalps in his return to play following July but England encountered an fitness worry involving Mark Wood on the opening day of their Ashes warm-up versus England Lions in Western Australia. Skipper's Impressive Comeback The England captain, making his comeback after approximately four months out with a shoulder injury, bowled sixteen overs across three bowling spells for his 6-52 versus the Lions – all to catches taken on the on-side. Mark Wood's Injury Worry Fast bowler Mark Wood, himself returning after nine months out with a knee injury, delivered a pre-planned number of eight overs before leaving the field in the post-lunch session because of a hamstring problem. He will undergo scanning on Friday. Wood's injury sucked the energy out of the day, as the Lions were bowled out for 382 on a slow, low surface after an automatic toss at Lilac Hill. Team Planning England wanted to field first to build bowling fitness before the first Ashes Test at the main venue, beginning on November 21st. In a potential indication towards their first-Test plans, the tourists fielded an all-pace attack – four specialist bowlers plus Stokes – and omitted spin bowler Shoaib Bashir in the development squad. Batting Performance Highlights Jacob Bethell didn't strengthen his case for selection in the Test team, making only two, but Will Jacks enhanced his credentials to be selected during the series by swiping eighty-four. Ben McKinney, Cox, 17-year-old Rew and Matthew Potts also scored half-centuries. Relaxed Atmosphere The team's decision to play a solitary warm-up game against the Lions has been criticized by some ex-players but Stokes hit back by labeling the doubters "former players". A relaxed first day in front of a smattering of fans at the ground was definitely a world away from what England will face at a sold-out main stadium the following week. Stokes Supreme Performance The captain was excellent in the contest against the Indian team in the home summer, only to strain himself to breaking point. He missed the final Test with a shoulder tear. The captain has not completed a full part in any of England's past four series because of various injuries and the team's chances of regaining the series are significantly reduced if he misses any of the five matches in the host country. He has been bowling at maximum speed for two months and appeared in good condition on Wednesday, even if he could not comprehend the way in which some of his wickets were gifted. Jacks Pushes Case Jacks is unlikely to feature in the opening match – the team look to have shown their intentions with the eleven named here. Nevertheless, he may have moved himself in front of the out-of-sorts Jacob Bethell with his 84, which came at nearly run-a-ball pace. Prior to the concern over Wood, the five fast bowlers in the team lineup for this game may not have been the attack for the first Test. Brydon Carse missed the first day because of illness, with his place going to Josh Tongue. Josh Tongue had Lions opener McKinney caught behind just after the break. Although the captain took the scalps, Jofra Archer impressed observers. He was lively with the fresh ball and again after lunch, when he caused problems for Will Jacks. In the omission of Bashir and with Wood departing, Joe Root was asked to bowl 14 overs of his off-spin. It was average performance, costing 117 runs at an economy of more than eight. Joe Root at least took a wicket in the final session when Fisher somehow struck a full delivery to mid-on before Jofra Archer dismissed with a bouncer Potts for fifty-three with the final ball of the day.