- Jofra Archer sidelined with side strain after inspiring comeback
- Jacob Bethell replaces Ollie Pope at No.3 for Melbourne Test
- Gus Atkinson returns as England chase key World Test Championship points
England have suffered a major blow ahead of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with star fast bowler Jofra Archer ruled out of the remainder of the Ashes tour due to a left side strain. Archer, England’s standout performer on a difficult tour, will return home for further assessment, though the England Cricket Board (ECB) remain optimistic about his availability for the T20 World Cup in February.
In response, England have confirmed two changes to the side beaten by 82 runs in Adelaide. Gus Atkinson returns to bolster the pace attack, while Jacob Bethell earns a promotion to No.3, replacing the under-pressure Ollie Pope, who continues to struggle against Australia’s attack. Bethell, who made his Test debut last year, will win his fifth cap despite limited recent red-ball opportunities.
Archer’s absence leaves England’s bowling group desperately short on experience, with only 34 test caps shared between the frontline seamers. Mark Wood is already sidelined with a knee injury, while Matthew Potts and Matthew Fisher remain on standby if further cover is needed. Captain Ben Stokes praised Archer’s “exceptional effort” earlier in the week, but England now face the uphill challenge of regrouping without their strike weapon.
Pope’s omission marks another difficult chapter in his Ashes journey. Despite flashes of brilliance earlier in the year, he has managed just 125 runs this series and remains without a half-century against Australia in 16 innings. Bethell steps in after impressing in last year’s New Zealand tour and establishing himself as a reliable white-ball option for England.
With the Ashes already gone at 3–0, England will still be chasing something meaningful in Melbourne, 12 vital ICC World Test Championship 2027 points. And while Ben Duckett remains in the XI despite ECB scrutiny over his off-field conduct, England insist the opener retains full backing from team management.
Australia are also forced into changes, with Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon both unavailable and Steven Smith set to captain on return from illness. All eyes now turn to the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where England hope fresh energy, and fresh faces, can finally turn their tour around.
England XI for 4th Test vs Australia:
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (C), Jamie Smith (WK), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue
Ashes schedule:
- First Test: Perth Stadium, November 21-22 (Australia won by eight wickets)
- Second Test: Gabba, December 4-7 (Australia won by eight wickets)
- Third Test: Adelaide Oval, December 17-21 (Australia won by 82 runs)
- Fourth Test: MCG, December 26-30
- Fifth Test: SCG, January 4-8
