Ben Stokes grabs 6-52 on injury return but Mark Wood faces hamstring scare ahead of Ashes 2025. Full match analysis and England squad updates.
Table of Contents
Ben Stokes Takes Six Wickets in England Ashes Warm-Up Match
Introduction
England captain Ben Stokes marked his return from injury with an impressive six-wicket haul during the Ashes warm-up fixture against England Lions in Perth. However, the positive performance was overshadowed by concerns over Mark Wood’s hamstring injury on day one at Lilac Hill. Stokes, who hasn’t played since July due to shoulder problems, delivered figures of 6-52 across 16 overs as the Lions posted 382 before being dismissed. With the first Ashes Test starting November 21 at Optus Stadium, England face critical fitness questions.
Match Summary: England vs England Lions
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Venue | Lilac Hill, Perth |
| Match Format | 3-day tour match |
| England Lions Score | 382 all out |
| Top Scorers | Jacks (84), McKinney (67) |
| Best Bowling | Stokes 6-52 (16 overs) |
| England XI | Yet to bat |
| Key Injury | Mark Wood (hamstring) |
| Scan Scheduled | Friday |
Stokes’ Triumphant Comeback Performance
The 40-year-old all-rounder demonstrated remarkable fitness following nearly four months on the sidelines with a shoulder tear sustained during India’s tour of England last summer.
Stokes’ Bowling Breakdown:
| Session | Overs Bowled | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | 5 overs | 2 wickets |
| Afternoon | 6 overs | 2 wickets |
| Evening | 5 overs | 2 wickets |
| Total | 16 overs | 6-52 |
Notable dismissals included:
- Tom Haines (caught mid-on) – 5th ball of Stokes’ spell
- Jacob Bethell (caught square leg) – struggled on 15 deliveries
- Jordan Cox (caught long leg) – after scoring 53
- Rehan Ahmed (similar dismissal pattern)
- Tom Lawes (caught in leg-side ring)
- Will Jacks (caught fine leg) – after aggressive 84
All six dismissals came through catches on the leg side, suggesting batsmen struggled with Stokes’ variations on the slower Lilac Hill surface.
Mark Wood Injury: Major Concern for England
Fast bowler Wood’s hamstring issue presents England’s most significant worry heading into the Ashes series.
Wood’s Situation:
| Factor | Status |
|---|---|
| Previous Injury | Knee problem (9 months out) |
| Overs Bowled Today | 8 (pre-planned workload) |
| Left Field | Afternoon session |
| Issue | Hamstring problem |
| Medical Scan | Scheduled Friday |
| Return Plans | Potentially Saturday |
Wood’s participation in the opening Test remains highly uncertain pending Friday’s scan results. England’s pace attack depth will be tested if their express bowler cannot recover in time.
Will Jacks Strengthens Selection Credentials
While Jacob Bethell’s claim for Test inclusion weakened with a disappointing 2-run performance, Surrey all-rounder Will Jacks produced a statement innings.
Lions Top Scorers:
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Will Jacks | 84 | 85 | 98.82 |
| Ben McKinney | 67 | – | – |
| Jordan Cox | 53 | – | – |
| Thomas Rew (17yo) | 50+ | – | – |
| Matthew Potts | 53 | – | – |
Jacks’ aggressive approach—84 runs off just 85 deliveries with eight boundaries and three sixes—positions him as a potential mid-series replacement option if England’s batting falters.
England’s All-Pace Strategy Revealed
The tourists’ decision to field five seamers without off-spinner Shoaib Bashir potentially hints at their first Test composition.
England’s Pace Attack:
- Jofra Archer (1-49, impressive pace)
- Mark Wood (injury withdrawal)
- Josh Tongue (replaced ill Brydon Carse)
- Ben Stokes (6-52)
- Matthew Potts
Bashir’s omission suggests England may prioritize pace on Perth’s traditionally bouncy Optus Stadium pitch, though Lilac Hill’s slow surface offered little indication of Test match conditions.
Unusual moment: Joe Root bowled 14 overs of part-time off-spin, conceding 117 runs at over eight per over after Wood departed and Bashir wasn’t available.
Warm-Up Match Criticism and Stokes’ Response
Several former England players questioned the team’s decision to schedule just one warm-up fixture before the Ashes series begins.
Stokes dismissed these critics as “has-beens,” defending the team’s preparation strategy. The relaxed atmosphere at Lilac Hill—complete with music from dressing rooms and sparse crowds—contrasted sharply with the intensity awaiting them at a sold-out Optus Stadium.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How many wickets did Ben Stokes take in the Ashes warm-up match?
Ben Stokes claimed 6 wickets for 52 runs across 16 overs in three separate bowling spells against England Lions. All six dismissals came via catches on the leg side at Lilac Hill, Perth.
Q2: What is Mark Wood’s injury status before the Ashes?
Mark Wood left the field during the afternoon session with a hamstring problem after bowling his pre-planned 8-over quota. He’s scheduled for a medical scan on Friday, with his participation in the first Test now uncertain.
Q3: When does the first Ashes Test match start?
The opening Test of the 2025 Ashes series begins on November 21 at Optus Stadium in Perth, Western Australia. England will face Australia in a five-match series.
Q4: How long has Ben Stokes been out injured?
Stokes missed nearly four months of cricket after suffering a torn shoulder during England’s home summer series against India. His last competitive action was in July before this Perth warm-up match.
Q5: Who scored the most runs for England Lions?
Will Jacks top-scored with 84 runs off 85 balls, including eight fours and three sixes. Other half-century makers included Ben McKinney (67), Jordan Cox (53), and Matthew Potts (53).
Final Analysis
Ben Stokes’ six-wicket return signals positive news for England’s Ashes campaign, demonstrating the captain’s shoulder has recovered sufficiently for his dual role. However, Mark Wood’s hamstring scare casts serious doubt over England’s pace attack composition for the crucial Perth opener.
Will Jacks’ aggressive half-century provides England with selection flexibility, while Jacob Bethell’s failure may cost him a Test debut opportunity.
With Friday’s scan results determining Wood’s availability and the first Test just days away, England’s medical staff face critical decisions that could shape the entire Ashes series.
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