Ben Stokes’ impressive return to action continued with two more wickets in the afternoon session on the first day of England’s Ashes warm-up game against England Lions in Perth.
Stokes, in his first game since July because of a shoulder injury, added to the two he claimed in the morning session for figures of 4-45 in the Lions’ 208-5.
Just as in the morning, both of Stokes’ afternoon wickets fell to pull shots. England Lions’ Jordan Cox stood out for 53 before shovelling Stokes to long leg, where Rehan Ahmed was also caught for 16.
After the Lions began the session on 116-2, Josh Tongue had opener Ben McKinney caught behind shortly after lunch for 67.
On a warm day at Lilac Hill, England chose to bowl to get time in the field before the first Test against Australia at Optus Stadium on 21 November.
Mark Wood, returning after nine months out with a knee injury, bowled a second four-over spell of the day, while Jofra Archer looked lively in a burst to Will Jacks.
Jacks is part of the Ashes squad but playing for the Lions in this game and was unbeaten on 28 at tea. Thomas Rew, the promising 17-year-old from Somerset, is on seven.
