Day One at Lilac Hill Cricket Ground resulted in the England Lions scoring 382 all out after Ben Stokes’ England XI side elected to bowl.
The first innings produced five half-centuries, including an 84 by Will Jacks and a 53 by Matthew Potts.
Young Prodigy Jacob Bethell’s time at the crease was disappointing; scoring 2 runs before falling victim to a rampant Stokes’ performance, with the captain picking up 6 wickets over 16 overs.
Spinning all-rounder Will Jacks’ 84 pushes him into contention for the first Ashes test in Perth next week, enhanced by the lack of spin attack in the England XI today, solely led by Joe Root.
Mark Wood is once again an injury concern after tightness in his left hamstring. Vice-Captain Harry Brook said, “It’s not ideal, but it’s part of being an extremely fast bowler,”. The Durham representative has already missed nine months due to knee injuries and is a vital part of England’s Ashes bowling attack.
The England Captain said, “So to get back together as a group, get out on the pitch and work towards 10 wickets was a successful day.”. Tomorrow, England trail by 382 runs and will have to work to a respectable points total to build confidence ahead of next week.