England fast bowler Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the rest of the Ashes series after picking up a side injury, dealing another major blow to England’s tough tour of Australia.
The 30-year-old will miss the fourth Test in Melbourne on Boxing Day and the final Test in Sydney. Archer had only just returned to Test cricket this year after spending four years out with injury, making this setback especially frustrating.
Despite England being 3–0 down in the series, Archer has been one of their best players, taking nine wickets and scoring his first Test half-century in six years during the third Test in Adelaide.
Gus Atkinson will replace Archer in the England team, while Ollie Pope has been dropped and replaced by Jacob Bethell. Pope struggled for form during the Ashes, with his highest score being 46, and Bethell earns his chance after strong performances in the past, including against Australia A earlier this month.
Archer will return to the UK for further checks, after which England will decide if he can take part in the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
England captain Ben Stokes praised Archer’s effort, saying he answered doubts about his fitness and commitment during the tour. England have already lost another fast bowler, Mark Wood, to injury, adding to their problems.
With England trailing badly in the series, Stokes admitted there is disappointment in the camp, but stressed the importance of supporting players during a difficult period.
