Stokes Claims Six Wickets in England Test Series Preparation Match

Practice game, Lilac Hill (day one of 3)

Development squad 382: Will Jacks 84, McKinney 67; Stokes 6-52

National team: awaiting batting

Ben Stokes achieved six wickets in his first action after July but the tourists encountered an injury concern involving fast bowler Wood on the opening day of their Test preparation against England Lions in Perth.

Stokes, making his comeback after approximately four months out with a shoulder problem, bowled sixteen overs across three bowling spells for his 6-52 versus England Lions – each to catches taken on the leg side.

Fast bowler Mark Wood, also making his comeback after nine months away with a knee problem, bowled a pre-planned number of 8 overs before leaving the field in the afternoon session because of a hamstring problem. He will receive scanning on the following day.

The Wood situation drained the energy out of the day, as the Lions were dismissed for 382 on a slow, low surface after an uncontested toss at Lilac Hill.

The tourists aimed to field first to build bowling fitness before the initial Test match at Optus Stadium, starting on 21 November.

In a possible hint towards their opening Test strategy, the tourists selected an fast bowling lineup – four specialists plus Stokes – and omitted spin bowler Shoaib Bashir in the development squad.

Jacob Bethell didn't strengthen his case for inclusion in the Test side, making only two, but Jacks boosted his credentials to be called upon during the series by scoring 84.

McKinney, Cox, teenage Rew and Matthew Potts also made half-centuries.

The team's decision to play a single practice match against the development squad has been criticized by some ex-players but the captain hit back by labeling the doubters "has-beens".

A relaxed first day in front of a small crowd of fans at Lilac Hill was certainly a world away from what England will face at a sold-out Optus Stadium the following week.

Stokes was excellent in the contest against India in the home summer, only to strain himself to breaking point. 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 series because of different fitness issues and the team's chances of regaining the Ashes are vastly diminished if he misses any of the five matches in the host country.

He has been bowling at full pace for two months and appeared in fine shape on the match day, even if he could not believe the way in which some of his wickets were presented.

Jacks is unlikely to play in the first Test – the team look to have shown their intentions with the eleven selected here. Still, he may have nudged 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 match may not have been the attack for the first Test.

Brydon Carse was absent from the opening day because of sickness, with his place going to Josh Tongue. Josh Tongue had opening batsman McKinney caught behind just after lunch.

Although the captain took the scalps, Archer impressed observers. He was lively with the fresh ball and again after the interval, when he caused problems for Will Jacks.

In the omission of Shoaib Bashir and with Wood departing, Joe Root was required to bowl 14 overs of his spin bowling. It was average performance, conceding 117 runs at an economy of over eight.

Root at least claimed a wicket in the final session when Matt Fisher somehow hit a full delivery to the fielder before Archer bounced out Matthew Potts for 53 with the final ball of the day.