Mitchell Starc continued his strong start to Ashes 2025-26 as he bowled England captain Ben Stokes after lunch on Day 1 of the first Test at Perth. The wicket came in the 25th over and showed once again why Starc is one of the most dangerous fast bowlers with the new ball and the old ball. Starc sends Stokes Back Again On the fifth ball of the 25th over, Starc came up with a great incoming delivery to send Stokes packing. The ball was bowled at 140.9 kph, pitched on a good length, and it shaped back in nicely. Stokes played a drive first, leaving a gap between bat and pad. The ball went in enough to hit the middle and off stump, which left Stokes surprised and Starc pumped up. Watch the video here: MITCH STARC SEEEEEEED! What a ball to dismiss Ben Stokes. #Ashes | #PlayoftheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/PehDst540x — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 21, 2025 This was the tenth time Starc dismissed Stokes in Test cricket, arguably one of the most recognisable face-offs in recent times. Starc set him up with a few outswingers and then brought one back in to get the wicket. Also Read | Mitchell Starc Destroys England Top Order in Perth, Hits 100-Wicket Mark in Ashes Tests Stokes vs Starc - One-Sided Battle So Far These numbers indicate how much Stokes has struggled against Starc: 22 innings 304 balls faced 190 runs 10 dismissals Average: 19.00 Five out of the ten dismissals have been bowled. Stokes has fallen to Starc so often because of late movement and extra pace, and it was no different today. England in Trouble Despite Quick Start At the time of writing, England were 138/5 after 28 overs, finding it tough to survive on the bouncy Perth pitch. Starc already had a four-wicket haul, and the Australian bowlers were in full control. The top order of England had collapsed early despite scoring quick runs, and the pressure kept building as wickets kept falling at regular intervals. Australia, meanwhile have been razor-sharp with the ball and their field placements. The home team are now well and truly on top in this opening session after lunch, leaving England in a position where they will have to fight real hard.