The Ashes: Jofra Archer to miss remainder of series in latest blow for England, with Ollie Pope axed
Star England paceman Jofra Archer will miss the final two Tests of The Ashes, with the tourists also making a selection statement by dropping a senior batter for the Boxing Day clash.
Archer has suffered a side strain in the wake of the series-sealing loss in Adelaide, with the firebrand quick ruled out of the remainder of the tour.
He will be replaced by the returning Gus Atkinson, while England have turned to reserve batter Jacob Bethell to make his first appearance of the series after running out of patience with underperforming No.3 Ollie Pope.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Pope has averaged just 20.8 across six innings in Australia.
Archer’s loss marks a significant out for England. The paceman has snared nine wickets at an average of 27 in his three Tests this series, including a haul of 5-53 in the first innings in Adelaide.
His exit means that just two specialist bowlers across the two Ashes squads will have featured in all four Tests to open the series: Australia’s Mitchell Starc, and England’s Brydon Carse.
The Aussies are yet to confirm their XI, with some big questions to be answered, including which middle-order player makes way for the returning Steve Smith, and which reserve paceman replaces Pat Cummins.
England’s team announcement came after skipper Ben Stokes fronted the media earlier on Wednesday in the wake of a social media video appearing to show opener Ben Duckett affected by alcohol, and ECB director of cricket Rob Key revealing there would be an investigation into the squad’s behaviour in Noosa from earlier this month.
“I’m aware of the reports and everything that’s circling right now,” Stokes said.
“My main concern is my players and how I handle this moment right now is the most important thing to me.
“The welfare of everyone in there and probably some certain individuals as well is the most important thing to me right now as England captain.
ENGLAND XI FOR FOURTH TEST
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Jacob Bethell
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Ben Stokes
- Jamie Smith
- Will Jacks
- Gus Atkinson
- Brydon Carse
- Josh Tongue
