Jofra Archer Out of Ashes, Ollie Pope Dropped for Melbourne

By Harshit - Dec 24, 2025 07:53 PM
Last updated on Dec 24, 2025 07:53 PM

The Ashes series has taken a severe toll on the England cricket team as Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the remainder of their tour in Australia due to a side strain. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the news on Wednesday, alongside the announcement of the Playing XI for the fourth Test, set to take place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on Boxing Day, December 26. Archer, who has been one of England's standout performers in this otherwise challenging series, will now miss the final two Tests, leaving the side short of experience and firepower in their pace attack.

Archer’s injury comes as a major blow, especially considering England’s ongoing struggle against a dominant Australian side. This tour has already seen England’s fast-bowling options depleted, with Mark Wood previously ruled out after the Brisbane Test due to a left-knee injury. With Archer sidelined, England’s seam attack now leans heavily on the relatively inexperienced Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, and Gus Atkinson, who has been called up as Archer’s replacement for the Melbourne clash.

Alongside Archer’s absence, England has made a significant change in their batting order. Jacob Bethell has been included at No. 3, replacing Ollie Pope, who has been dropped after a disappointing run in the first three Tests. Pope’s struggles with the bat, managing only 125 runs in six innings with the majority coming in the opening Test, forced the selectors to take decisive action. Bethell, who made his Test debut in New Zealand last year and has experience in England’s white-ball setups, will aim to bring stability to the top order in what is expected to be a challenging encounter against the reigning Ashes champions.

England’s Playing XI for the Fourth Test

For the Boxing Day Test, England have named a side balancing youth and experience. The lineup includes:

• Zak Crawley – Opener expected to provide a solid start
• Ben Duckett – Retained despite inconsistent form
• Jacob Bethell – Replaces Ollie Pope at No. 3
• Joe Root – The senior batsman leading the middle order
• Harry Brook – Aggressive presence in the middle
• Ben Stokes – Captain and all-rounder
• Jamie Smith (WK) – Wicketkeeper-batsman duties
• Will Jacks – Spin-bowling all-rounder
• Gus Atkinson – Fast bowler called up to replace Archer
• Brydon Carse – Experienced pacer
• Josh Tongue – Young fast-bowling talent

Impact of Archer’s Absence

Jofra Archer has been a key figure for England throughout the series, taking crucial wickets and providing lower-order runs. His absence not only reduces the team’s pace potency but also puts additional pressure on the remaining bowlers to lead the attack. Atkinson, while talented, has limited international experience, which makes England’s bowling strategy in Melbourne a critical talking point. Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue will also be expected to step up, sharing the responsibility of leading the attack against a formidable Australian batting lineup.

Ollie Pope’s Form and Replacement

Ollie Pope’s struggles with the bat have been a significant concern for England. Despite being a mainstay in the side, his inability to convert starts into meaningful contributions has hurt the team. Scoring only 125 runs in six innings with most runs coming in the first Test highlighted a lack of consistency at the crease. Jacob Bethell, his replacement, brings a fresh approach and adaptability, having impressed in white-ball cricket for England. This change signals England’s intent to inject new energy and technique into the top order as they look to salvage pride in the remaining matches of the Ashes.

Challenges Facing England in Melbourne

The Boxing Day Test represents a tough challenge for England. Australia has already won the first three matches, securing the series and putting England on the back foot. The Melbourne Cricket Ground, known for its pace-friendly surface and large crowd support, will test the skills and temperament of the young replacements like Atkinson and Bethell. England will rely heavily on their senior players – Ben Stokes, Joe Root, and Zak Crawley – to stabilize the innings and provide guidance to the newer members of the squad.

Outlook and Key Takeaways

While the Ashes series may already be decided, the final two Tests offer an opportunity for England to rebuild confidence and give experience to emerging talent. The inclusion of Jacob Bethell and Gus Atkinson highlights the team’s commitment to nurturing young prospects. Archer’s return will be a key focus for future matches and tournaments, but in Melbourne, England must adapt quickly to field a competitive side capable of challenging Australia’s dominance. Fans will be watching closely to see how the team balances experience and youth under the leadership of Ben Stokes.

Conclusion

England’s challenges in the Ashes have been compounded by injuries and inconsistent form from key players. The absence of Jofra Archer and the dropping of Ollie Pope mark a turning point for the squad. The Boxing Day Test in Melbourne will be a test of resilience, adaptability, and strategy. With young players stepping into crucial roles, the outcome will not only shape the remainder of this Ashes series but also provide insights into the future of England cricket.

Also Read: Rohit Sharma Blazes 28-Ball Fifty for Mumbai in VHT

« Previous Rohit Sharma Blazes 28-Ball Fifty for Mumbai in VHT