Jofra Archer Set to Fly Home After Injury Blow, Doubt Over T20 World Cup Spot
Gus Atkinson has been named in England’s playing XI for the fourth Test in Melbourne
Udaipur, Dec 24, 2025: Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the remaining two Ashes Tests. The 30-year-old fast bowler returned to Test cricket in July after four years. This time, he has been ruled out due to a muscle injury. He will miss the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and the final Test in Sydney. England have already lost the Ashes series, as they are trailing 3-0 in the five-match series.
Gus Atkinson has been named in England’s playing XI for the fourth Test in Melbourne, which begins today. Jacob Bethell has also been included in the team, while top-order batter Ollie Pope has been left out.
Archer was one of England’s best players in the series. He took nine wickets in three Tests, including five wickets in the first innings of the third Test in Adelaide. He also scored a half-century in that match.
Archer had been away from Test cricket for several years due to elbow and back injuries. He made his return in the Test against India at Lord’s five months ago. Since then, he has played five Test matches.
Archer Set to Return Home for Injury Check
Jofra Archer will return to England after the fourth Test. He will undergo an injury check, and after that, a decision will be taken on whether he can play in the T20 World Cup. The tournament will be held in India and Sri Lanka in February.
England captain Ben Stokes praised Archer’s effort in the series. He said that Archer gave his best in the three matches. Stokes added that there were many doubts about Archer’s performance in Australia, but the fast bowler worked very hard.
Archer was able to bowl only 12.4 overs in the second innings of the Adelaide Test. A scan in Melbourne showed an injury to his abdominal muscles. England have already lost fast bowler Mark Wood on this tour. The fourth Test will begin in Melbourne next Friday.
England XI for Melbourne Test
Jack Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith, Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Curtis, Josh Tong
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