England captain Ben Stokes delivered a powerful statement of intent ahead of the Ashes, starring with the ball on the first day of an in-house warm-up match against the England Lions in Perth.
Stokes Leads the Attack
In his first competitive outing since tearing a shoulder muscle against India in July, Stokes took four wickets for 45 runs from 12 overs. The all-rounder claimed two wickets in each of the first two sessions, single-handedly leading the attack at Lilac Hill.
Stokes dismissed Tom Haines, Jacob Bethell, Jordan Cox, and Rehan Ahmed in a pair of robust spells. This performance served as a sharp reminder of his threat, coming after a stream of barbs from the local Australian media since England's arrival.
Match Details and Other Performers
Josh Tongue was the only other bowler to take a wicket as the Lions reached 208 for five at tea. Durham opener Ben McKinney top-scored with 67 before nicking Tongue just after lunch, while Jordan Cox posted a lively 53.
Cox and Ahmed both fell to Stokes bouncers, shovelling catches to fine-leg, demonstrating the captain's ability to force breakthroughs. The outground offered generous bounce but modest pace, providing runs for those who could capitalise.
Team News and Implications
Mark Wood got through two brisk four-over spells in his first appearance in nine months but left the field before the tea break. Jacob Bethell, dismissed cheaply by Stokes for just two runs, crossed sides to deputise in the field, a move that seems to confirm Ollie Pope's position at number three.
In a possible nod towards selection for the first Test, England left spinner Shoaib Bashir out of their XI for this match. He is expected to get a chance to impress when the Lions bowl in the second innings.
This commanding display from Stokes, on Thursday, 13th November 2025, firmly puts to rest any concerns about his fitness and form, setting a confident tone for England's Ashes campaign.
