Massive setback for England as Jofra Archer ruled out of Ashes series, Jacob Bethell named in playing XI for Boxing Day Test

In keeping with their tradition, England announced their playing XI for the fourth Test of the Ashes series 48 hours before the start of the match. There are two significant changes to the squad for the Boxing Day Test. Jofra Archer has been omitted from the Ashes and Ollie Pope has also been omitted from the squad.

Batting all-rounder Jacob Bethell will replace Pope in the XI, while Gus Atkinson will replace Jofra Archer, who has made a notable impact in the three Test matches played so far. The fourth Test of the series will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 26.

Australia dominated all matches and took an undisputed 3-0 lead in the series. The home team was defeated by eight wickets in their first two matches in Perth and Brisbane respectively. The third Test in Adelaide lasted over five days as England fought valiantly through the series in question. Nevertheless, Australia clinched victory by 82 runs.

Archer became the standout player for the English team throughout the series. A side strain sidelined him, but the Sussex bowler took nine wickets with his quick pace. He also made his first half-century in the third Test in Adelaide.

Archer recorded figures of 5/53 in Australia’s first innings in Adelaide, which marked his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket in six years. However, after a scan on Tuesday revealed his side injury, he was restricted to just 12.4 overs in the second innings and was ultimately ruled out of the series.

“His effort in these three games has been outstanding,” captain Ben Stokes said of Archer’s absence.

“There were a lot of question marks about his talent and what he would bring to Australia and he has put in a huge effort for the team.”

Steve Smith, meanwhile, will take on the captaincy as he will be rested for the Boxing Day match as part of Pat Cummins’ workload management, even after taking six wickets after returning from a back problem in the third Test.

England playing XI for the 4th Test: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith, Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue.

Australia Squad for 4th Test: Steve Smith (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster

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