England’s already troubled Ashes tour has been dealt a crushing blow with confirmation that Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the final two Tests against Australia because of a side strain. The injury compounds an already bleak campaign for Ben Stokes’ side that has already been deprived of the series.
Archer, who was England’s best bowler in the second Test in Adelaide, sustained the injury after an intense workload. He took six wickets, but Australia were on top with an 82-run victory. The England and Wales Cricket Board while announcing the playing XI for the fourth Test confirmed that Archer will miss the remainder of the Ashes series.
Moreover, Ollie Pope has been left out of the playing XI for the Boxing Day test. England have brought in Jacob Bethell and Gus Atkinson for the fourth showdown, scheduled to be played at MCG.
England XI for 4th Ashes Test: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue.