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Archer sidelined for rest of Ashes series
England fast bowler Jofra Archer has been forced to withdraw from the remainder of the Ashes tour after sustaining a side strain, dealing a significant blow to the team's already struggling campaign in Australia.
Injury details and impact
The 30-year-old will miss the fourth Test in Melbourne, starting on Boxing Day, and the final Test in Sydney in early January. Archer, who returned to Test cricket in July after a four-year hiatus, had been England's standout performer in the series, taking nine wickets and scoring his first half-century in Adelaide.
A scan in Melbourne confirmed the injury, which limited Archer to just 12.4 overs in Australia's second innings during the third Test. His absence leaves England without one of their key bowlers as they trail 3-0 in the series.
Team changes and replacements
Gus Atkinson replaces Archer in the England XI, while Jacob Bethell steps in for Ollie Pope, who has been dropped after a poor run of form. Pope's highest score in six innings this series is 46, and he has not recorded a half-century in eight Tests against Australia.
The England squad for the fourth Test includes Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith, Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, and Josh Tongue. Surrey's Matthew Fisher has also been called up following Mark Wood's earlier injury, though no additional seamers are expected to join the squad.
Archer's comeback and future
Archer's return to Test cricket has been marked by persistent injury struggles, including elbow and back issues. After making his comeback against India at Lord's five months ago, he has played five Tests before this latest setback.
He will return to the UK after the fourth Test for further assessment, with his availability for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, starting in February, still uncertain.
"The effort that he's put in over these three games has been exceptional. There were a lot of question marks around his ability coming out to Australia, and he's put in a great effort for the team."
Ben Stokes, England captain
Pope's struggles and Bethell's opportunity
Ollie Pope's omission follows a prolonged slump, with the 27-year-old averaging just 24.38 in his last seven Tests. His exclusion marks the first time he has been left out of a Test since England's 2022 tour of the West Indies.
Bethell, 22, made his Test debut in New Zealand last year and impressed with three half-centuries in three matches. However, his form has been inconsistent, with limited first-class appearances in the past year. His inclusion follows a strong performance for the England Lions against Australia A earlier this month.
Off-field distractions
England's tour has been marred by off-field controversies, including a social media video allegedly showing opener Ben Duckett in a compromised state during the team's break in Noosa. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed it will investigate the incident, though the BBC has not verified the footage.
"It's all pretty fresh and pretty new. I've obviously reached out and spoken to him and offered my complete support. He's an incredibly influential person within this group."
Ben Stokes, England captain
Stokes emphasized his support for Duckett, who remains in the squad for the fourth Test despite the controversy.
Outlook for England
With Archer sidelined and the series already lost, England face an uphill battle to salvage pride in the remaining Tests. Stokes acknowledged the disappointment within the dressing room but stressed the importance of unity and support for the players.
