England’s Ben Stokes Shows Frustration Following Starc Wicket in Third Ashes Test

England captain Ben Stokes displayed visible frustration after being bowled for 83 by Mitchell Starc on the morning of Day 3 in the third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval. Stokes, who had anchored a defiant 106-run ninth-wicket partnership with Jofra Archer—the highest for England in that position at the venue—jumped in anger on the crease, tossed his bat, and shouted at himself while walking back to the pavilion. The dismissal, Starc's 12th of Stokes in Tests, ended a gritty 198-ball innings that had revived England from a precarious position.

Starc produced a near-unplayable delivery that angled in from over the wicket before nipping back sharply to crash into the stumps, beating Stokes' defensive prod. The left-arm paceman celebrated intensely with a roar, recognising the significance of removing England's talismanic leader at a crucial stage. Despite the disappointment, the Adelaide crowd gave Stokes a warm standing ovation for his resilient effort in cooler conditions following the extreme heat of Day 2.

The partnership had limited Australia's first-innings lead to 85 runs after England resumed at 213-8, still trailing by 158. Archer soon followed for 51, his maiden Test half-century, as England was bowled out for 286. Australia reached lunch at 17-1 in their second innings, extending the overall lead to 102 after Brydon Carse dismissed Jake Weatherald.

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Trailing 0-2 in the series, England's hopes of retaining the Ashes hinge on a remarkable comeback, with Stokes' stoic knock providing a rare bright spot amid batting struggles. The incident highlighted the intense personal rivalry between Stokes and Starc, underscoring the high stakes in a contest where Australia holds a commanding position.

As play continues, England faces a challenging pursuit in the fourth innings on a pitch offering occasional assistance to seamers. Stokes' reaction reflected the pressure of captaining a side on the brink, yet his fighting innings kept the tourists competitive longer than anticipated.

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