🔗 Share this article Ben Stokes Claims 6 Scalps in English Test Series Warm-up Practice match, Lilac Hill (first day of three) Development squad 382: Jacks 84, Ben McKinney 67; Stokes 6-52 England XI: awaiting batting Ben Stokes achieved 6 scalps in his return to play following July but England faced an injury concern regarding Mark Wood on the first day of their Test preparation against the development squad in Perth. Captain's Impressive Comeback The England captain, returning after nearly four months away with a shoulder problem, bowled sixteen overs across three spells for his 6-52 versus England Lions – all to catches taken on the leg side. Mark Wood's Fitness Worry Pace bowler Mark Wood, himself returning after 9 months out with a knee problem, delivered a pre-planned number of 8 overs before leaving the field in the post-lunch session because of a hamstring problem. He will undergo scanning on Friday. Wood's injury sucked the energy out of the day, as the England Lions were dismissed for three hundred eighty-two on a slow track after an automatic toss at the venue. Team Strategy England wanted to field first to build bowling fitness before the first Ashes Test at the main venue, starting on November 21st. In a possible hint towards their first-Test plans, the tourists fielded an all-pace attack – four specialist bowlers plus the captain – and left spin bowler Bashir in the Lions. Batting Highlights Jacob Bethell failed to press his claim for selection in the Test side, making only two, but Will Jacks boosted his credentials to be called upon during the series by hitting 84. Ben McKinney, Cox, teenage Rew and Potts also made fifties. Low-key Environment England's decision to play a single practice match against the Lions has been questioned by some ex-players but Stokes hit back by calling the critics "former players". A low-pressure first day in front of a smattering of spectators at the ground was certainly a different experience from what England will face at a packed Optus Stadium next week. Captain's Supreme Performance Stokes was excellent in the contest against India in the home summer, only to push himself to breaking point. He was absent from the last match with a torn shoulder. The skipper has not completed a full part in any of the team's past four tours because of various injuries and the team's hopes of regaining the series are vastly diminished if he is absent from any of the five Tests in Australia. He has been practicing at maximum speed for 60 days and looked in fine shape on Wednesday, even if he could not comprehend the way in which some of his dismissals were gifted. Jacks Pushes Claim Will Jacks is unlikely to play in the first Test – England look to have shown their hand with the eleven selected here. Still, he may have nudged himself ahead of the out-of-sorts Jacob Bethell with his 84, which came at almost a run a ball. Prior to the doubt 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 first day because of illness, with his position going to Josh Tongue. Josh Tongue had opening batsman Ben McKinney edging to the keeper just after the break. Although the captain took the wickets, Jofra Archer impressed observers. He was lively with the fresh ball and once more after lunch, when he discomforted Will Jacks. In the absence of Bashir and with Wood departing, Joe Root was required to bowl fourteen overs of his off-spin. It was average performance, conceding 117 runs at an run rate of over eight. Root at least claimed a scalp in the final session when Fisher somehow struck a full delivery to mid-on before Jofra Archer dismissed with a bouncer Potts for 53 with the final ball of the day.