HIT AND MISS

Stokes stars but Wood is a worry

- FROM RORY DOLLARD IN PERTH

BEN STOKES’ return to his bowling best was overshadowed after Mark Wood was injured in England's only Ashes warm-up, making him a doubt for next week's first Test.

An outing against Andrew Flintoff’s England Lions at Lilac Hill might otherwise have been notable for fit-again captain Stokes taking 6-52, proving his readiness to lead the fight against Australia, until Wood had to leave the action.

The 35-year-old has spent the past eight months out following knee surgery but hopes were high that the country’s quickest bowler would be able to get up to speed in time to feature in the opener.

Instead, Wood pulled up sore after his second four-over spell and is now awaiting further assessment to determine the extent of the problem.