Ashes 2025-26: England names playing XI for Boxing Day Test — Archer out, Bethell included
The visiting side made two changes to the XI, with Gus Atkinson replacing an injured Jofra Archer and Jacob Bethell coming in for Ollie Pope.
England XI for fourth 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
“Fast bowler Jofra Archer has been ruled out for the remainder of the tour with a left side strain,” England said in a statement.
Archer has arguably been England’s best bowler over the first three Tests, sending down 80 overs and claiming nine wickets. It is a major setback for the visiting side, which is already without Mark Wood and is 0-3 down in the series, desperate to restore pride at the Melbourne Cricket Ground starting Friday.
Meanwhile, Pope paid for his poor form at No. 3, with his 46 in Perth being his highest score in six Ashes innings on this tour.
Published on Dec 24, 2025
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