MELBOURNE: England’s Ashes woes deepened on Wednesday as a side strain ruled fast bowler Jofra Archer out of the remainder of the series, while batter Ollie Pope was dropped for the fourth Test against Australia. Already 3-0 down in the five-match contest, England will now be playing for pride in Melbourne and Sydney.
Surrey seamer Gus Atkinson has been drafted in to replace Archer, who has been England’s standout performer on a difficult tour. The express pacer claimed nine wickets, including a five-wicket haul in Adelaide, and added crucial lower-order runs highlighted by a maiden Test fifty in the same match.
Warwickshire’s Jacob Bethell also comes into the XI and is set to bat at number three, the touring side confirmed ahead of the Boxing Day Test. Archer’s injury has raised concerns over his availability for the Twenty20 World Cup scheduled for February-March.
Captain Ben Stokes praised Archer’s commitment, calling his effort “exceptional” across the three Tests he played. Off the field, England are facing further scrutiny, with team director Rob Key saying reports of excessive drinking during a break in the series would be reviewed. An emotional Stokes stressed that safeguarding the mental well-being of his players remains his top priority amid mounting pressure on the tour.
England XI for fourth test: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue
