🔗 Share this article Ben Stokes Claims Six Scalps in English Test Series Preparation Match Practice game, Lilac Hill (day one of three) Development squad 382: Will Jacks 84, Ben McKinney 67; Ben Stokes 6-52 National team: still to bat Ben Stokes achieved 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 the development squad in Perth. Captain's Impressive Return The England captain, returning after nearly four months out with a shoulder injury, bowled sixteen overs across three bowling spells for his six for fifty-two versus England Lions – all to catches on the leg side. Wood's Injury Concern Pace bowler Mark Wood, himself returning after nine months away with a knee problem, delivered a scheduled amount of 8 overs before exiting the field in the post-lunch session because of a hamstring problem. He will have a scan on Friday. The Wood situation sucked the energy out of the day, as the England Lions were bowled out for 382 on a sluggish pitch after an uncontested toss at Lilac Hill. Team Planning England wanted to bowl first to accumulate bowling time before the initial Test match at the main venue, starting on November 21st. In a potential indication towards their opening Test strategy, the tourists fielded an fast bowling lineup – four specialist bowlers plus the captain – and omitted off-spinner Bashir in the development squad. Batting Highlights Jacob Bethell didn't strengthen his case for inclusion in the Test side, making just two runs, but Jacks boosted his claim to be called upon during the series by scoring eighty-four. McKinney, Cox, teenage Rew and Potts also made half-centuries. Low-key Atmosphere The team's plan to play a single practice match against the development squad has been criticized by some former players but Stokes responded by labeling the critics "former players". A relaxed opening day in front of a small crowd of spectators at the ground was certainly a world away from what the team will face at a packed main stadium next week. Stokes Excellent Return Stokes was excellent in the contest against the Indian team in the home summer, only to push himself to breaking point. He was absent from the final Test with a torn shoulder. The skipper has not completed a full part in any of the team's past four tours because of different fitness issues and the team's hopes of regaining the Ashes are vastly diminished if he is absent from 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 Case Jacks is unlikely to feature in the first Test – England look to have revealed their hand with the eleven selected here. Still, he may have nudged himself in front of the out-of-sorts Jacob Bethell with his 84, which came at almost a run a ball. Even before the concern over Mark Wood, the five seamers in the team lineup for this game may not have been the bowling unit for the initial match. Carse was absent from the opening day because of sickness, with his position going to Tongue. Josh Tongue had Lions opener Ben McKinney caught behind just after lunch. Though Stokes took the scalps, Archer caught the eye. He was energetic with the new ball and again after the interval, when he caused problems for Will Jacks. In the omission of Bashir and with Wood departing, Root was required to deliver fourteen overs of his spin bowling. It was mediocre fare, costing 117 at an run rate of over eight. Root at least took a wicket in the final session when Matt Fisher somehow struck a full toss to mid-on before Jofra Archer dismissed with a bouncer Potts for 53 with the final ball of the day.