Starc sends 2019 World Cup reminder with absolute thunderbolt to leave Ben Stokes' stump flying in 5th Ashes Test

The final Test of the Ashes began on Thursday and England were aiming to deny Australia a chance to clinch the series. However, Pat Cummins' decision to win the toss and opt to bowl proved good for the Aussies at the Oval as the visitors bowled out England for 283. Mitchell Starc was the pick of the bowlers for the Aussies with figures of 4/82, including the key wicket of captain Ben Stokes. Interestingly, footage of the dismissal – bowling – has gone viral on social media for its uncanny resemblance to the one in 2019, during the ODI World Cup.

In the marquee tournament, Starc's stunning yorker to dismiss Stokes attracted worldwide attention and is still regarded as one of the best deliveries in World Cups. Coming off the wicket, the left-arm pacer bowled a wild yorker and Stokes failed to get the bat in time. The hit had such an impact that the England all-rounder dropped his bat and stared in disbelief as Starc settled him.

In the fifth Test, Starc, again bowling from the same angle, played a full game that deflected. Stokes played a bad line and tried to swing it towards midwicket but the ball was struck by the off stump. Stokes' expression was quite similar to that after his dismissal in 2019 as the Australian pace bowled him out for the ninth time in the longest format.

Fans on Twitter soon began to notice the similarities between the two resignations four years apart. In fact, a fan also posted a video of a similar dismissal from the Ashes in England in 2015, where Starc famously followed up with a finger-to-the-lips celebration.

England were largely led by Harry Brook, with Chris Woakes (36) and Mark Wood (28) providing much-needed support in the lower order. The side experimented with Moeen Ali at No.3 as the left-handed batsman scored 34 off 47 deliveries before being dismissed by Todd Murphy.

Apart from Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Murphy picked two wickets each, while Cummins and Mitchell Marsh also shared the spoils.

Australia retained the urn after the fourth Test ended in a draw thanks to incessant rain in Manchester. The entire fifth day's play was washed out due to rain, dashing England's hopes of a comeback; Stokes' men were the dominant side during the Manchester Test, still leading by 61 runs in the Aussie's five-wicket second innings when rain prevented any further action.