England fast bowler Jofra Archer will miss the rest of the Ashes after a side strain. Surrey seamer Gus Atkinson replaces him for the fourth Test against Australia. The team is already down 3-0 in the five-match series.
Warwickshire’s Jacob Bethell joins the side to bat at number three. Archer had been England’s best performer, taking nine wickets and scoring a maiden fifty in Adelaide. His injury also raises doubts over his participation in the T20 World Cup in February-March.
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Captain Ben Stokes praised Archer’s efforts, calling them “exceptional” despite questions about his form before the tour. Meanwhile, Ollie Pope was dropped after scoring just 46 runs in six Ashes innings. Opener Ben Duckett retained his place despite scoring only 97 runs in six innings.
England team director Rob Key said the squad will investigate reports of excessive drinking between the second and third Tests. Stokes emphasized the mental well-being of players amid media scrutiny of performances and behaviour on tour.
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The England XI for the fourth Test is Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wicket-keeper), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, and Josh Tongue.