England suffer another Ashes nightmare ahead of Boxing Day Test against Australia
Jofra Archer has been forced out of the remaining two Ashes Tests after sustaining a left side strain, dealing another significant blow to Ben Stokes’ struggling squad.
The 30-year-old fast bowler, who has been England’s most threatening weapon with the ball throughout the series, will now be reduced to watching from the sidelines.
His absence means England must complete the tour without either of their express pace options, following Mark Wood’s earlier departure through injury.
A statement confirmed: “Jofra Archer will miss the rest of the series with a left side strain. Get well soon, Jof!”
The tourists, already trailing 2-0 in the series, now face the daunting prospect of continuing without their only bowlers capable of consistently exceeding 90mph.
Archer’s contributions with the ball have been substantial, claiming nine wickets across the series at an average of 27.11 runs per dismissal.
Beyond his wicket-taking ability, the Barbados-born paceman has proved the most economical member of England’s bowling attack.
Jofra Archer has been a key player for England throughout the Ashes
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PA
Jofra Archer has been forced out of the remaining two Ashes Tests after sustaining a left side strain, dealing another significant blow to Ben Stokes’ struggling squad
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PA
His value extended to the batting crease as well, where he registered a maiden Test half-century during the Third Test.
With the bat, Archer compiled an average of 25.50 runs per innings, providing useful lower-order contributions when England’s top order faltered.
The loss of such an all-round performer compounds the difficulties facing Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum as they attempt to salvage something from a tour that has rapidly unravelled.
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Gus Atkinson appears set for a recall to the England squad as Archer’s replacement, having previously been dropped following a difficult spell of form.
Captain Stokes may also consider reshuffling his batting lineup, with Will Jacks a candidate for promotion up the order.
Such a move would address the ongoing difficulties experienced by Ollie Pope, who has come under considerable pressure at number three.
Spinner Shoaib Bashir could earn his first appearance of the series, while Jacob Bethell remains eager for an opportunity to stake his claim.
The selection headaches facing England’s management reflect the broader uncertainty that has plagued the touring party’s attempts to settle on their strongest combination.
England arrived in Australia with genuine belief that their aggressive Bazball approach could finally secure an away Ashes triumph, something they’ve lived without ever since the days where Andrew Strauss skippered the side.
Gus Atkinson is set for a recall to the England cricket team for the fourth Test against Australia
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PA
Those aspirations have since disintegrated, however, amid a combination of batting failures, erratic bowling performances and poor fielding standards.
The tourists have also struggled to identify their optimal starting eleven throughout the campaign.
Criticism mounted before a ball was bowled over inadequate preparation, and matters deteriorated further when the squad faced accusations of treating a mid-series break in Noosa like a “stag do”.
England cricket chief Rob Key has said an investigation into those rumours is already in play.
Ben Duckett appeared drunk in a video that surfaced on social media, with the Three Lions star also calling a fan a ‘p***k’.
The fourth Ashes Test will commence on Boxing Day.
