Left-handed batting all-rounder Jacob Bethell has been drafted into the side and will slot in at No.3, while fast bowler Gus Atkinson returns after missing the previous Test.
Photo: IANS
England have made a couple of changes in their playing XI for the fourth Ashes Test against Australia at Melbourne. Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the remainder of the series due to a side strain, while Ollie Pope has been left out of the squad for the Boxing Day clash.
Left-handed batting all-rounder Jacob Bethell has been drafted into the side and will slot in at No.3, while fast bowler Gus Atkinson returns after missing the previous Test. The fourth Test of the Ashes will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), with the contest set to begin on December 26.
Advertisement
Confirming the changes, the England and Wales Cricket Board said, “England have made two changes to the XI that played in the third Test in Adelaide. Fast bowler Jofra Archer has been ruled out for the remainder of the tour with a left side strain, and Surrey batter Ollie Pope misses out. Warwickshire’s Jacob Bethell comes into the side and will bat at number three. Surrey seamer Gus Atkinson returns after missing the third Test.”
Advertisement
England are already out of contention for the Ashes after Australia sealed an unassailable 3-0 lead by winning the opening three Tests of the series. The visitors suffered an eight-wicket defeat in the series opener in Perth, followed by an identical margin loss at the Gabba, allowing Australia to retain the urn.
Although England showed greater resistance in the third Test at the Adelaide Oval, pushing the match into the fifth day, they were unable to sustain momentum in the final innings. Australia’s bowlers, requiring four wickets on the last day, quickly wrapped up the chase to secure another victory.
England’s XI for the 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.
Advertisement
