🔗 Share this article Ben Stokes Claims Six Wickets in English Test Series Warm-up Tour match, Lilac Hill (day one of 3) England Lions 382: Will Jacks 84, McKinney 67; Ben Stokes 6-52 England XI: yet to bat The England captain produced six wickets in his first action since July but the tourists encountered an fitness worry about fast bowler Wood on the first day of their Ashes warm-up versus the development squad in Western Australia. Skipper's Impressive Return Stokes, returning after nearly four months out with a shoulder problem, delivered 16 overs across three spells for his six for fifty-two versus England Lions – all to catches on the on-side. Mark Wood's Injury Worry Pace bowler Mark Wood, himself returning after 9 months away with a knee injury, delivered a pre-planned number of eight overs before exiting the field in the afternoon session because of a hamstring issue. He will undergo scanning on the following day. Wood's injury drained 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. Squad Planning The tourists aimed to bowl first to get overs in their legs before the initial Test match at Optus Stadium, starting on November 21st. In a possible hint towards their opening Test strategy, the tourists selected an fast bowling lineup – four specialist bowlers plus the captain – and left off-spinner Bashir in the development squad. Batting Highlights Bethell didn't strengthen his claim for inclusion in the Test side, making just two runs, but Jacks boosted his claim to be selected during the series by scoring 84. Ben McKinney, Jordan Cox, teenage Thomas Rew and Potts also scored fifties. Low-key Environment The team's decision to play a single practice match against the Lions has been questioned by some former players but Stokes hit back by labeling the critics "has-beens". A relaxed first day in front of a smattering of fans at the ground was certainly a different experience from what the team will encounter at a packed Optus Stadium next week. Captain's Excellent Return The captain was superb in the contest against the Indian team in the domestic season, only to strain himself to breaking point. He missed the last match with a torn shoulder. The skipper has not managed a full part in any of England's previous four series because of different fitness issues and the team's chances of regaining the Ashes are significantly reduced if he is absent from any of the five Tests in Australia. He has been practicing at maximum speed for 60 days 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 Pushes Case Will Jacks is not expected to play in the first Test – the team look to have revealed their intentions with the XI selected here. Still, he may have nudged himself ahead of the out-of-sorts Jacob Bethell with his 84, which came at nearly run-a-ball pace. Prior to the concern over Mark Wood, the five seamers in the England XI for this match may not have been the bowling unit for the first Test. Carse was absent from the first day because of illness, with his place going to Tongue. Tongue had Lions opener McKinney edging to the keeper just after the break. Although Stokes took the wickets, Jofra Archer caught the eye. He was energetic with the fresh ball and once more after the interval, when he discomforted Jacks. In the absence of Bashir and with Mark Wood departing, Joe Root was asked to bowl fourteen overs of his off-spin. It was average performance, conceding 117 at an economy of more than eight. Root at least claimed a wicket in the closing stages when Matt Fisher unexpectedly struck a full toss to the fielder before Jofra Archer bounced out Matthew Potts for fifty-three with the final ball of the day.