Jofra Archer’s Ashes campaign ends due to a side strain, with England replacing him and out-of-form Ollie Pope ahead of the fourth Test against Australia.Surrey’s Gus Atkinson joins the squad, trailing 3-0, alongside Warwickshire’s Jacob Bethell batting at number three for the Melbourne clash. Archer took nine wickets, including a five-for in Adelaide plus his first fifty, but his T20 World Cup hopes now dim; captain Ben Stokes hailed his “exceptional” efforts despite pre-tour doubts.Pope exits after 46 in Perth—his series best—while Ben Duckett retains his opener spot despite 97 runs at a low average. England probes drinking claims from the second-third Test break amid scrutiny, with Stokes prioritizing player mental health.
Confirmed XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (capt), Jamie Smith (wk), Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue.
Archer Sidelined by Injury for Rest of Ashes; England Drops Pope for Boxing Day Test
