Ashes 2025-26: England names playing XI for Boxing Day Test — Archer out, Bethell included
England announced its playing 11 for the fourth Ashes Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, starting on Boxing Day.
The visiting side made two changes to the XI, with Gus Atkinson replacing an injured Jofra Archer and Jacob Bethell coming in for Ollie Pope.
“Fast bowler Jofra Archer has been ruled out for the remainder of the tour with a left side strain,” England said in a statement.
England will play for pride in the remaining two Tests of the five-match series, having lost the first three and allowing Australia to retain the urn.
England XI for 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
Published on Dec 24, 2025
