Ben Stokes shines on return to competitive cricket: Details here
What's the story
Ben Stokes made a stunning return to competitive cricket, picking up six wickets on the first day of England's Ashes warm-up match against England Lions in Perth. The star all-rounder was playing his first game since July due to a shoulder injury. He bowled 16 overs across three spells and took 6-52, with all dismissals coming through leg-side catches. Here are further details.
Injury update
Wood's pre-planned 8 overs
Fast bowler Mark Wood, who was also making his comeback after a nine-month layoff due to a knee injury, bowled a pre-planned eight overs before leaving the field with a hamstring problem. He will undergo scans on Friday. The injury was a concern for England as the Lions were bowled out for 382 on a slow surface at Lilac Hill.
Game strategy
Stokes's return a major boost for England
Despite the injury concerns, Stokes's return was a major boost for England. He had been in superb form during the summer series against India but missed the final Test due to a torn shoulder. The captain has not played a full part in any of England's last four series due to injuries, making his participation crucial for their Ashes hopes.
Bowling highlights
Stokes trumps batsmen with a solid display
Stokes had a spell in each session of the day. He dismissed Lions captain Tom Haines with the fifth ball he bowled. Haines miscued his shot to mid-on. Thereafter, Bethell pulled his shot straight to square leg. Other dismissals included Will Jacks, who scored 84 runs, Jordan Cox (53), and Rehan Ahmed. Cox founf Wood at long leg during Stokes' afternoon stint. Rehan fell in almost identical fashion.
Bowling
A look at the bowling summary
Jofra Archer bowled 12.3 overs and collected 1/49. He bowled 2 maidens. Gus Atkinson bowled 4 maidens in his 16-over spell. He clocked 1/62. Stokes also bowled 16 overs and picked 6/52. He bowled 3 maidens. Josh Tongue picked one wicket. In 13 overs, he gave away 63 runs. Lastly, Joe Root picked 1/117 from 14 overs.