### Ben Stokes' Frustration Peaks as Mitchell Starc Strikes Again in the Ashes In a dramatic turn of events during the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, England captain Ben Stokes' valiant innings came to an abrupt end, leading to visible frustration as he was dismissed by Australian bowler Mitchell Starc. Stokes, who had been battling hard with a score of 83, expressed his anger after being bowled out for the 12th time by Starc in Test matches, contributing to England's all-out score of 286. This incident not only highlighted the intense rivalry between the two teams but also underscored the pressure on Stokes and his squad, who are fighting to stay alive in the series after two consecutive defeats [https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/bat-thrown-fury-on-display-as-ben-stokes-walks-off/20251219.htm][https://www.firstpost.com/firstcricket/ben-stokes-jofra-archer-mitchell-starc-13961123.html]. ### Breakdown of the Ashes Drama and Stokes' Reaction 1. **Match Context**: - The third Test is crucial for England, who are trailing 2-0 in the series and need a win to keep their Ashes hopes alive [https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/show-a-bit-of-dog-stokes-defiant-ashes-message/20251215.htm]. 2. **Stokes' Performance**: - Stokes scored a gritty 83 runs, showcasing resilience but ultimately fell to a brilliant delivery from Starc, leading to his furious reaction [https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/mitchell-starc-continues-to-dominate-ben-stokes-in-ashes/story]. 3. **Starc's Dominance**: - This dismissal marked the 12th time Stokes has been dismissed by Starc in Test matches, emphasizing the Australian bowler's psychological edge over the England captain [https://www.aryanage.com/article/22291/stokes’-fury-laid-bare-after-starc-strikes-again-in-third]. 4. **Team Dynamics**: - Stokes had previously called for his team to "show a bit of dog," urging them to display more fight and resilience in the face of adversity, reflecting the high stakes of the match [https://www.cricketnmore.com/cricket-news/ben-stokes-tells-england-to-show-bit-of-dog-in-must-win-third-ashes-test-184065]. ### Key Statistics and Insights - **Dismissal Record**: Stokes has now been dismissed by Starc 12 times in Test matches, a statistic that highlights the ongoing battle between the two players [https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/mitchell-starc-continues-to-dominate-ben-stokes-in-ashes/story]. - **Match Score**: England's total of 286 all out reflects the pressure they faced throughout the innings, with Stokes' contribution being a significant part of the score [https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/bat-thrown-fury-on-display-as-ben-stokes-walks-off/20251219.htm]. ### Conclusion: The Stakes of the Ashes Series **The third Ashes Test has become a pivotal moment for England, with Ben Stokes' emotional response to his dismissal encapsulating the pressure and intensity of the series.** 1. **Stokes' Leadership**: His call for a fighting spirit among his teammates underscores the urgency of the situation as they seek to avoid a series defeat. 2. **Starc's Psychological Edge**: The ongoing battle between Stokes and Starc continues to be a focal point, influencing the dynamics of the match. 3. **Future Implications**: With the series on the line, England's performance in this Test will be critical for their Ashes campaign moving forward. The outcome of this match not only affects the series score but also the morale and future strategies of the England cricket team [https://www.firstpost.com/firstcricket/ben-stokes-jofra-archer-mitchell-starc-13961123.html][https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/show-a-bit-of-dog-stokes-defiant-ashes-message/20251215.htm].