🔗 Share this article Stokes Takes 6 Scalps in England Ashes Warm-up Tour match, Lilac Hill (day one of three) Development squad 382: Will Jacks 84, McKinney 67; Stokes 6-52 National team: awaiting batting The England captain produced 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 England Lions in Western Australia. Skipper's Impressive Return The England captain, returning after nearly four months away with a shoulder problem, delivered sixteen overs across three spells for his 6-52 versus England Lions – all to catches on the leg side. Wood's Injury Concern Fast bowler Mark Wood, himself returning after nine months away with a knee injury, delivered a pre-planned number of eight overs before departing the field in the afternoon session because of a hamstring problem. He will undergo scanning on Friday. Wood's injury removed the intensity out of the day, as the Lions were bowled out for three hundred eighty-two on a slow track after an automatic toss at the venue. Squad Strategy The tourists wanted to field first to build bowling fitness before the initial Test match at Optus Stadium, starting on November 21st. In a potential indication towards their first-Test plans, the visiting team fielded an all-pace attack – four specialist bowlers plus the captain – and left off-spinner Bashir in the development squad. Batting Performance Highlights Bethell failed to press his claim for inclusion in the Test side, making only two, but Jacks boosted his claim to be called upon later in the tour by scoring 84. Ben McKinney, Cox, teenage Rew and Potts also made fifties. Relaxed Environment The team's plan to play a solitary warm-up game against the development squad has been criticized by some former players but the captain hit back by labeling the critics "past players". A low-pressure first day in front of a smattering of spectators at the ground was definitely a different experience from what the team will face at a sold-out 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 injury. He was absent from the final Test with a shoulder tear. The skipper has not managed a full part in any of the team's past four series because of different fitness issues and the tourists' hopes of regaining the series are significantly reduced if he misses any of the five matches in the host country. He has been practicing at maximum speed 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 dismissals were gifted. Jacks Pushes Case Will Jacks is not expected to play in the opening match – England look to have revealed their hand with the eleven selected here. Nevertheless, he may have nudged himself in front of the out-of-sorts Jacob Bethell with his eighty-four, which came at nearly run-a-ball pace. Prior to the doubt over Wood, the five fast bowlers in the England XI for this match may not have been the bowling unit for the initial match. Carse missed the opening day because of sickness, with his position going to Josh Tongue. Josh Tongue had opening batsman McKinney caught behind just after the break. Although Stokes took the wickets, Jofra Archer impressed observers. He was lively with the new ball and once more after lunch, when he caused problems for Will Jacks. In the absence of Bashir and with Mark Wood leaving the field, Joe Root was required to bowl 14 overs of his off-spin. It was mediocre fare, conceding 117 runs at an economy of more than eight. Joe Root at least claimed a wicket in the final session when Fisher somehow hit a full delivery to the fielder before Archer dismissed with a bouncer Matthew Potts for 53 with the last delivery of the day.