England have announced their playing XI for the Boxing Day Ashes Test at MCG, making two changes to their lineup.
Ollie Pope dropped for Boxing Day Test
England have dropped Ollie Pope for the Boxing Day Test, starting December 26 at the MCG. Pope has had a torrid time in the first three Test matches, scoring only 125 runs at an average of 20.83, the second-lowest for any top-six batter to have batted in all six innings in the series so far. Alongside Ben Duckett and Cameron Green, Pope is also the only top-six batter to have not made a single 50-plus score so far.
Also read: Ashes warm-up match: Pope follows century with 90 off 67 in quick run-chase after openers fail
The former vice-captain's place in the side has long been in question, even in the lead-up to the series. Now, after three straight defeats, England have finally pulled the plug on him.
Jacob Bethell will replace Pope at No.3 for the fourth Test. Bethell, who made his Test debut in New Zealand last year, has played four Test matches so far, averaging 38.71 with the bat. He has also picked up three wickets with his left-arm spin at 31.33.
Bethell made a fighting 71 for England Lions in their fixture against Australia A in Brisbane two weeks back, which should give England some confidence heading into the MCG Test.
Also read: The irresistible rise of Jacob Bethell
Jofra Archer ruled out of remainder of Ashes
On the bowling front, England have been dealt a huge blow, with Archer being sidelined for the rest of the tour with a left side strain. Archer played each of the first three Tests and was by far the most consistent bowler in an attack that lacked control.
Archer picked up nine wickets from three Tests at an average of 27.11 in the series. While Brydon Carse (14 wickets at 29.28) and Ben Stokes (nine wickets at 25.88) have also been amongst the wickets, Archer's economy rate of 3.05 has been significantly lower than other England quicks.
For MCG, England have replaced Archer with Gus Atkinson, who played the first two matches but was largely ineffective, picking up only three wickets at 78.66. No squad replacement for Archer has been named so far.
Ashes 2025/26: England playing XI for MCG 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.
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