Ashes 2025-26: England announce XI for Boxing Day Test, Archer and Pope miss out

England Men have named their team for the fourth Ashes Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, starting on Boxing Day. The Three Lions have made two changes to the XI that played in the third Test in Adelaide.

Fast bowler Jofra Archer has been ruled out for the remainder of the tour with a left side strain, and Surrey batter Ollie Pope also misses out.

Warwickshire all-rounder Jacob Bethell comes into the side and will bat at number three. Surrey seamer Gus Atkinson returns after missing the third Test.

The tourists are in a spot of bother, having already lost their chance to reclaim the Ashes after losing the first three Tests in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide comprehensively. Ben Stokes’ men are staring at another 5-0 mauling Down Under.

England XI for fourth Ashes Test: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (Captain), Jamie Smith (WK), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue.