The Ashes 2025-26: Jofra Archer ruled out as England announce playing XI for Boxing Day test

By Vikas Singh Derek

Vikas Singh Derek has a Master's in Journalism and has written more than 50,000 articles. He currently works as a cricket content writer at Khel Now.

Published at :December 24, 2025 at 1:27 PM

Modified at :December 24, 2025 at 1:27 PM

The Ashes 2025-26, Jofra Archer, England

(Courtesy : Getty Images)

Jofra Archer has been ruled out of England’s squad for The Ashes 2025-26 due to an injury.

The England Cricket Team announced their playing XI for the fourth test of The Ashes 2025-26 against the Australian Cricket Team. Ben Stokes & Co. have made two changes to their playing XI from the previous game in Adelaide.

To begin with, pacer Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the remaining games of the series due to left side strain. Also, batter Ollie Pope will be absent from the Boxing Day test.

Jacob Bethell will take the number three batting slot in the playing XI. Pacer Gus Atkinson, who missed the previous encounter, returns to the side. The rest of the nine players remain the same.

The fourth test will commence on Friday, 26 December, at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne. The visitors have already lost The Ashes after facing defeats in the first three games.

Australia outplayed England in the first two games by eight wickets respectively, followed by an 82-run win in the third encounter.

Hence, the visitors have completely struggled against the hosts in the previous games and need to make a strong comeback in the upcoming matches to avoid a humiliating whitewash.

England announce playing XI for Melbourne test

ENG vs IND, England test cricket team 2025 — The England (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

England playing XI for Melbourne 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.

We have named our team for the Boxing Day Test.🔁 We make two changes as Jacob Bethell and Gus Atkinson come into the side.@IGcom pic.twitter.com/YjBgxHgcpX
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 24, 2025

Australia’s squad for Melbourne test: Steve Smith (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.

What is England’s playing XI for the Melbourne test?

England’s playing XI for Melbourne test: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, ⁠Joe Root, Harry Brook, ⁠Ben Stokes (C), ⁠Jamie Smith (WK), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, ⁠Brydon Carse, ⁠Josh Tongue.

What changes has England made to their playing XI for the Melbourne test?

England have made two changes to their playing XI for the Melbourne test. Jofra Archer and Ollie Pope are not part of the clash. Jacob Bethell and Gus Atkinson have been added to the playing XI.

Who is leading The Ashes 2025-26?

Australia is leading the five-match test series 3-0 after three games.

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Vikas Singh Derek

Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.