England’s preparation for the Ashes received a significant lift as captain Ben Stokes dominated the England Lions batting order, achieving a remarkable six-wicket haul during a warm-up match at Lilac Hill Park in Perth.
In their innings, the Lions managed to score a challenging total of 382 all out in 79.3 overs, with Will Jacks leading the charge with an impressive 84 runs off 85 deliveries. Ben McKinney contributed with 67 runs, while Jordan Cox added 53. Rehan Ahmed and Thomas Rew also made contributions of 16 and 55 runs, respectively.
Nevertheless, Stokes displayed exceptional skill with the ball, executing a flawless display of seam bowling. He took the wickets of Tom Haines, Jacob Bethell, Jordan Cox, Rehan Ahmed, Will Jacks, and Tom Lawes, finishing with impressive figures of 16 overs, 3 maidens, 52 runs, and 6 wickets, boasting an economy rate of 3.25. This performance served as a stark warning to the Australian team ahead of the Ashes, demonstrating that England’s all-rounder is in formidable form.
Stokes’ ability to swing the ball, combined with his seam movement and relentless precision, proved overwhelming for the Lions, who struggled to form effective partnerships against his bowling.
STOKES IN BEAST MODE
Previously, Ben Duckett referred to Ben Stokes as being in “beast mode,” emphasizing his intense training and focus in preparation for the crucial five-match Ashes Test series.
Stokes is among only three all-rounders in the history of men’s Test cricket to surpass 7,000 runs and take over 200 wickets, joining the ranks of legends Gary Sobers and Jacques Kallis.
“I’ve only been here for a few days, and he has been in beast mode,” Duckett shared on the Willow Talk podcast.
“He’s been running, bowling two spells, and batting for two hours. The way he trains these days is something I’ve never witnessed before,” Duckett remarked.
The Ashes series is set to begin on Friday, November 21, with the first Test scheduled at Perth Stadium. England, who last claimed an Ashes series victory in Australia during the 2010-11 season, will be keen to change their fortunes in this upcoming series.