Will Jacks reveals surgery recovery after five-wicket haul against Sri Lanka

Will Jacks has described his recovery from emergency appendix surgery after taking five wickets in England's opening one-day international against Sri Lanka. BBC Sport reported that the all-rounder returned ahead of an initial four-week recovery schedule, before delivering career-best 50-over bowling figures at Chester-le-Street on Tuesday.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgiBiROeznU

Jacks captained the England Lions against Sri Lanka on 11 September, a few days earlier than his expected return, then appeared in all three matches of England's T20 series sweep. He said he resumed bowling only five days before his first game while working to restore his strength and fitness.

According to BBC Sport's interview, rebuilding core strength has been part of his recovery. Jacks said the four-over maximum in T20 cricket helped his return, as did a relatively light bowling workload during that series. He is also serving as Harry Brook's vice-captain for the Sri Lanka matches in Jacob Bethell's absence.

In its match report, BBC Sport recorded an 89-run England victory after Sri Lanka were dismissed for 176 in 37 overs. Jacks finished with 5-22, removing Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka before taking three further wickets. Dunith Wellalage made 45 from 36 balls, but was caught at mid-on off Jacks as Sri Lanka fell short of England's 265.

England's innings had included 67 from Brook and 44 from Joe Root before Jacks supplied an unbeaten 46. With the hosts at 211-7 in the 39th over, he helped extend the innings into the 49th. Sri Lanka's debutant leg-spinner Sachindu Colombage took 3-44, dismissing Root, Jos Buttler and Jamie Overton, while England were eventually bowled out after 48.1 overs.

The hosts also received economical seam-bowling contributions from Gus Atkinson, who took 1-25 in seven overs, and Overton, whose five overs brought 2-21. England can secure the three-match series at Headingley on Thursday, with the final game scheduled for The Oval on Sunday. The opening result was their tenth consecutive white-ball victory over Sri Lanka this year.