Watch: Ben Stokes takes stunning 6-wicket haul in Ashes warm-up match vs England Lions

England captain Ben Stokes delivered an outstanding performance on Day 1 of the tour match at Lilac Hill Park in Perth, ahead of the upcoming 2025-26 Ashes. Leading the England XI against the England Lions, he picked up six wickets for 52 runs in 16 overs.

Despite his strong spell, the England Lions still managed to score 382 runs in almost 80 overs before the end of the day’s play. His early wickets set the tone, yet the Lions’ batting lineup fought back to compile a strong score.

Stokes dismantled the batting order with three separate two-wicket bursts. He removed Tom Haines and Jacob Bethell early on, then struck again to dismiss Jordan Cox and Rehan Ahmed, tightening England XI’s grip on the game.

Stokes’ Rhythm Ahead of Ashes First Test 

Ben Stokes added another double-strike late in the innings, removing Tom Lawes and Will Jacks as England Lions collapsed from 310-5 to 322-8 within five overs. His superb figures of 6-52 played a key role in bowling out the Lions for 382, showcasing his dominant form ahead of the Ashes.

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Stokes appears to be in excellent rhythm, having bowled 140 overs across four home Tests against India earlier this year, where he picked up 17 wickets and scored 304 runs at an average of 43.42. This six-wicket haul is a strong warning to Australia ahead of the 2025-26 Ashes. England, under Stokes' captaincy, take on Australia in the first Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth starting November 21.