England fast bowler Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the last two Ashes Tests against Australia with a left arm strain, adding to England’s disappointing tour.
Fast bowler Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the Ashes lineup with a hamstring injury, after England made significant changes to the squad for the fourth Test against Australia.
According to the England Cricket Board, fast bowler Gus Atkinson has replaced Jofra Archer in the squad, while all-rounder Jacob Bethel has also been included in the squad and will replace Ollie Popp at number three.
Ole Pop was dropped from the fourth Test due to poor form. Ollie Pope’s best innings in this series was 46 in the Perth Test. However, opener Ben Duckett managed to retain his place in the team despite scoring few runs. Ben Duckett scored 97 runs in six innings, his highest score being 29.
On the other hand, England team manager Rob Key confirmed that reports of excessive drinking by players in the interval between the second and third Tests will be investigated.
Regarding the media criticism, captain Ben Stokes said that his main priority at the moment is the mental health and well-being of the players.
The England squad for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne starting tomorrow consists of Zac Crowley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethel, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Jamie Smith, Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Bryden Carrs and Josh Ting.
