🔗 Share this article Ben Stokes Takes 6 Scalps in English Test Series Warm-up Practice game, Perth venue (day one of three) Development squad 382: Will Jacks 84, Ben McKinney 67; Stokes 6-52 England XI: awaiting batting The England captain achieved six wickets in his return to play since July but the tourists faced an injury concern regarding fast bowler Wood on the opening day of their Test preparation against England Lions in Western Australia. Skipper's Outstanding Return The England captain, returning after nearly four months out with a shoulder problem, delivered 16 overs across three bowling spells for his six for fifty-two against England Lions – all to catches taken on the leg side. Wood's Fitness Worry Fast bowler Mark Wood, also making his comeback after nine months away with a knee problem, delivered a pre-planned number of eight overs before departing the field in the afternoon session because of a hamstring issue. He will undergo scanning on the following day. The Wood situation drained the energy out of the day, as the England Lions were dismissed for three hundred eighty-two on a sluggish pitch after an automatic toss at Lilac Hill. Team Strategy England aimed to field first to get overs in their legs before the initial Test match at Optus Stadium, starting on 21 November. In a potential indication towards their first-Test plans, the visiting team selected an all-pace attack – four specialists plus the captain – and omitted spin bowler Bashir in the Lions. Batting Performance Standouts Bethell failed to press his case for inclusion in the Test side, making only two, but Will Jacks boosted his claim to be selected later in the tour by scoring 84. McKinney, Jordan Cox, teenage Rew and Matthew Potts also made half-centuries. Low-key Environment The team's plan to play a single warm-up game against the development squad has been criticized by some ex-players but the captain hit back by labeling the doubters "has-beens". A low-pressure opening day in front of a small crowd of fans at the ground was certainly a different experience from what England will face at a sold-out Optus Stadium the following week. Captain's Excellent Performance The captain was excellent in the contest against the Indian team in the home summer, only to push himself to breaking point. He missed the final Test with a shoulder tear. The skipper has not managed a full part in any of England's past four series because of different fitness issues and the team's chances of regaining the series are significantly reduced if he misses any of the five matches in Australia. He has been bowling at maximum speed for two months and appeared in fine shape on the match day, even if he could not comprehend the way in which some of his wickets were gifted. Will Jacks Strengthens Claim Jacks is unlikely to feature in the opening match – the team look to have revealed their hand with the eleven selected here. Nevertheless, he may have moved himself in front of the struggling Bethell with his eighty-four, which came at almost a run a ball. Even before the doubt over Mark Wood, the five fast bowlers in the England XI for this match may not have been the bowling unit for the first Test. Carse was absent from the opening day because of sickness, with his position going to Tongue. Josh Tongue had opening batsman Ben McKinney edging to the keeper just after the break. Though the captain took the wickets, Archer impressed observers. He was energetic with the new ball and once more after lunch, when he discomforted Will Jacks. In the omission of Shoaib Bashir and with Wood departing, Root was required to bowl fourteen overs of his spin bowling. It was average performance, conceding 117 at an economy of more than eight. Root at least claimed a wicket in the final session when Fisher unexpectedly struck a full toss to mid-on before Jofra Archer dismissed with a bouncer Potts for 53 with the final ball of the day.