Ben Stokes Secures 6 Scalps in England Ashes Warm-up

Practice game, Lilac Hill (first day of 3)

England Lions 382: Jacks 84, McKinney 67; Ben Stokes 6-52

England XI: awaiting batting

The England captain achieved six wickets in his initial appearance since July but England faced an fitness worry regarding Mark Wood on the first day of their Test preparation against England Lions in Western Australia.

The England captain, making his comeback after nearly four months away with a shoulder injury, delivered sixteen overs across three bowling spells for his six for fifty-two against England Lions – all to catches taken on the on-side.

Fast bowler Mark Wood, himself returning after 9 months out with a knee problem, delivered a pre-planned number of 8 overs before exiting the field in the afternoon session because of a hamstring issue. He will receive scanning on Friday.

Wood's injury removed the energy out of the day, as the England Lions were bowled out for 382 on a slow track after an automatic toss at Lilac Hill.

The tourists aimed to bowl first to build bowling fitness before the initial Test match at the main venue, beginning on November 21st.

In a possible hint towards their first-Test plans, the visiting team selected an all-pace attack – four specialist bowlers plus the captain – and omitted off-spinner Bashir in the development squad.

Bethell didn't strengthen his claim for selection in the Test team, making only two, but Will Jacks boosted his claim to be called upon later in the tour by swiping 84.

Ben McKinney, Cox, 17-year-old Thomas Rew and Potts also scored half-centuries.

England's plan to play a solitary practice match against the Lions has been questioned by some ex-players but the captain hit back by labeling the doubters "former players".

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

The captain was superb in the series against India in the domestic season, only to strain himself to injury. He was absent from the final Test with a torn shoulder.

The skipper has not managed a full part in any of the team's previous four tours because of different fitness issues and the team's hopes of winning back the series are significantly reduced if he misses any of the five matches in the host country.

He has been bowling at full pace for 60 days and appeared in fine shape on Wednesday, even if he could not comprehend the way in which some of his wickets were presented.

Will Jacks is not expected to play in the first Test – England look to have shown their intentions with the XI named here. Still, 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.

Even before the concern over Mark Wood, the five seamers 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 illness, with his place going to Josh Tongue. Tongue had opening batsman McKinney edging to the keeper just after lunch.

Although Stokes took the wickets, Archer caught the eye. He was lively with the new ball and once more after lunch, when he discomforted Jacks.

In the omission of Bashir and with Wood departing, Joe Root was asked to bowl 14 overs of his spin bowling. It was mediocre fare, costing 117 runs at an economy of over eight.

Joe Root at least claimed a scalp in the final session when Fisher unexpectedly struck a full delivery to the fielder before Archer dismissed with a bouncer Potts for 53 with the final ball of the day.