England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) says fast bowler Gus Atkinson has been included in the team to replace Archer
LONDON: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-Dec 25th, 2025) England's fast bowler Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the final two Ashes Tests against Australia due to a left-side strain, adding further disappointment to England's already challenging tour.
The England and Wales cricket board (ECB) said that fast bowler Gus Atkinson has been included in the team to replace Archer. Additionally, batting all-rounder Jacob Bethell has been called up and will bat at number 3 in place of Ollie Pope.
Ollie Pope has been dropped from the fourth Test due to poor form. Pope’s best performance in the series was an innings of 46 runs in the Perth Test. Meanwhile, opener Ben Duckett, despite his low run tally, managed to retain his place in the team. Duckett has scored 97 runs in 6 innings, with his highest score being 29.
In another development, England's team director Rob Key confirmed that reports of excessive alcohol consumption by players during the break between the second and third Tests will be reviewed.
