🔗 Share this article 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 National team: still to bat Ben Stokes achieved 6 scalps in his first action after July but England encountered an injury concern involving fast bowler Wood on the first day of their Test preparation against the development squad in Western Australia. Skipper's Impressive Comeback The England captain, making his comeback after approximately four months away with a shoulder problem, bowled 16 overs across three spells for his 6-52 versus the Lions – each to catches on the leg side. Wood's Injury Concern Pace bowler Wood, also making his comeback after 9 months out with a knee injury, delivered a pre-planned number of 8 overs before exiting the field in the post-lunch session because of a hamstring problem. He will receive 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 uncontested toss at Lilac Hill. Squad Strategy The tourists wanted to field first to accumulate bowling time before the initial Test match at Optus Stadium, beginning on November 21st. In a possible hint towards their first-Test plans, the visiting team fielded an all-pace attack – four specialist bowlers plus Stokes – and omitted spin bowler Shoaib Bashir in the development squad. Batting Performance Highlights Jacob Bethell didn't strengthen his case for selection in the Test team, making only two, but Will Jacks enhanced his credentials to be called upon later in the tour by hitting eighty-four. McKinney, Jordan Cox, 17-year-old Rew and Matthew Potts also made half-centuries. Low-key Environment The team's decision to play a solitary practice match against the development squad has been criticized by some ex-players but the captain hit back by labeling the doubters "former players". A relaxed first day in front of a small crowd of spectators at the ground was definitely a different experience from what the team will encounter at a packed main stadium next week. Captain's Supreme Return Stokes was excellent in the series against the Indian team in the home summer, only to push himself to breaking point. He was absent from the last match with a shoulder tear. The skipper has not completed a full part in any of the team's past four series because of various injuries and the tourists' hopes of regaining the series are vastly diminished if he is absent from any of the five Tests in Australia. He has been bowling at maximum speed for 60 days and looked in good condition on Wednesday, even if he could not comprehend the way in which some of his wickets were gifted. Jacks Pushes Claim Will Jacks is not expected to play in the opening match – England look to have shown their hand with the eleven selected here. Still, he may have moved 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 Mark Wood, the five seamers in the team lineup for this match may not have been the attack for the initial match. Carse missed the opening day because of sickness, with his position going to Tongue. Josh Tongue had Lions opener McKinney edging to the keeper just after the break. Though the captain took the scalps, Archer caught the eye. He was energetic with the fresh ball and once more after the interval, when he caused problems for Will Jacks. In the absence of Shoaib Bashir and with Mark Wood departing, Joe Root was asked to bowl fourteen overs of his spin bowling. It was mediocre fare, costing 117 at an run rate of more than eight. Joe Root at least claimed a wicket in the final session when Matt Fisher unexpectedly struck a full delivery to the fielder before Jofra Archer bounced out Matthew Potts for fifty-three with the final ball of the day.