![Ashes 2023 [WATCH]: Mitchell Starc dismantles Ben Stokes’ off-stump with a mesmerizing delivery at the Oval](https://crickettimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Ben-Stokes-left-stunned-as-Mitchell-Starc-dismantles-his-off-stump.jpg "Ashes 2023 [WATCH]: Mitchell Starc dismantles Ben Stokes’ off-stump with a mesmerizing delivery at the Oval")
Australia had an excellent start on the first day of the fifth and final Ashes 2023 Test at the Oval against England. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, the Australians bowled out England for just 283 runs. At stumps, the visitors were in a strong position, trailing by 222 runs with nine wickets in hand, having scored 1/61 after 25 overs.
However, the highlight of the day was Mitchell Starc‘s brilliant delivery that dismissed Ben Stokes (3). Bowling the third ball of the 39th over of the England innings, Starc’s delivery pitched on the middle and off stumps and straightened to beat the English captain’s defense, uprooting his off stump. It was the ninth time that the New South Wales-born cricketer has managed to send back Stokes in Test cricket.
Here’s the video:
An absolute beauty from Mitchell Starc 🔥
React to this delivery from Australia's spearhead to dismiss @BenStokes38 😍#SonySportsNetwork #ENGvAUS #TheAshes #Ashes2023 #RivalsForever pic.twitter.com/vTrowv0zo9
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) July 27, 2023
Also Read: Ashes 2023: Ricky Ponting has his say on England’s batting collapse at the Oval
Starc has been criticized in his career for his inconsistency, especially in the longest format. But, whenever he gets it right, there are very few who can make as much of an impact as the talented left-armer can make.
In this series, Stokes had hurt Australia multiple times, with impressive performances like his 155 runs almost leading England to victory while chasing 371. Additionally, he scored 80 runs in the first innings of the 3rd Test at Headingley, significantly cutting down Australia’s lead.
Earlier, England’s opening partnership between Zak Crawley (22) and Ben Duckett (41) provided a solid foundation, adding 62 runs for the first wicket. However, Mitchell Marsh‘s breakthrough by dismissing Duckett started England’s collapse. Crawley and Joe Root (5) also departed soon, leaving England struggling at 73/3.
Harry Brook‘s (85) positive approach helped England recover, and along with Moeen Ali (34), they built a crucial partnership of 111 runs. They took the attack to the Australian seamers, showing resilience and determination. Todd Murphy eventually managed to break this dangerous partnership by breaching Moeen’s defense.
Australia’s fightback was led by Starc and Josh Hazlewood picking three wickets between them to leave England on 212/7 . Nevertheless, lower-order contributions from Chris Woakes (36) and Mark Wood (28) helped England reach a competitive total of 283 runs.
Starc was the standout bowler for Australia, finishing with impressive figures of 4/82 in 14.4 overs. He showcased his skills and made a significant impact on the game, proving his worth as a top-class bowler. Murphy and Hazlewood also made valuable contributions, picking up two wickets each.
With the game finely poised after day one, both teams will be eager to make a strong impact in the remaining days of the Test match to finish the series on a high note.
