Archer ruled out of Ashes, Bethell replaces Pope

Pace bowler Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the remainder of the Ashes series in another huge blow to England on a wretched tour of Australia.

The 30-year-old, who returned to Test cricket after a four-year absence in July, has suffered a side strain.

He will miss the fourth Test in Melbourne on Boxing Day, and the fifth Test in Sydney in the new year.

Archer’s place in the England XI is taken by Gus Atkinson, while Ollie Pope is finally dropped and replaced by Jacob Bethell.

Archer has been England’s standout performer in a desperate series in which they are 3-0 down after three matches.

The Sussex man has taken nine wickets, and also registered his maiden half-century in the third Test in Adelaide.

It is a huge disappointment for Archer, who spent years battling elbow and back injuries in order to return to Test cricket.

He made his comeback against India at Lord’s five months ago and has played five Tests before being hit by another injury.

Archer will return to the UK after the fourth Test to be assessed, after which a decision can be made on his availability for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, beginning in February.

“The effort that he’s put in over these three games has been exceptional,” said captain Ben Stokes.

“There were a lot of question marks around his ability or whatever it may be coming out to Australia, and he’s put in a great effort for the team.”

Archer took 5-53 in Australia’s first innings in Adelaide, his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket for six years.

However, he was limited to only 12.4 overs in Australia’s second innings, and a scan on Tuesday in Melbourne revealed the side injury.

England have already lost fellow pace bowler Mark Wood to injury on this tour, meaning a call-up for Surrey’s Matthew Fisher. There are currently no plans to add another seamer to the squad.

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