Jofra Archer will play in the IPL 2026 for the Rajasthan Royals (RR), who retained him for ₹12.50 Crore after his successful return to fitness in 2025, forming a strong pace attack alongside players like Nandre Burger and Kwena Maphaka, as he continues his comeback journey with the franchise he debuted with. But before the beginning of the league, the England pacer received another injury.
The fourth match of the Ashes series between Australia and England will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 26. Australia has taken an unassailable 3-0 lead in this series. Now the hosts would like to achieve a clean sweep by winning the remaining two matches. The English team would also like to end this series with a win. But before the Boxing Day Test, big news is coming from the England camp, the team’s key fast bowler Jofra Archer is now out of the remaining two matches of the Ashes.
Apart from him, top-order batsman Ollie Pope has also been dropped before the Melbourne Test.Fast bowler Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the remaining two Ashes matches against Australia due to a back strain. While announcing the playing eleven on Wednesday, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) informed that Gus Atkinson has been included in the team in place of Archer. Apart from this, another major change has been made in the team.
Batsman Ollie Pope has been dropped from the team for this match, in his place Jacob Bethell has been given a place in the playing eleven. He will be seen batting at number three.Earlier, two major changes were made to the Australian team. Key spinner Nathan Lyon was ruled out with a hamstring injury, and Todd Murphy was included in his place. Australia also rested captain Pat Cummins for the remaining two matches. Steve Smith will lead the team in his place.
England’s playing XI for the Melbourne Test:
Ben Stokes (captain), Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue.