Two changes as England name team for Boxing Day Ashes Test
Tourists make two changes with side aiming to collect important World Test Championship 2027 points.
England have put forward their XI for the fourth Ashes Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, beginning on December 26.
Down 3-0 in the five-match series, the tourists have made two changes to the side that lost the third Test in Adelaide by 82 runs, on the quest for 12 World Test Championship 2027 points.
Left-handed batting all-rounder Jacob Bethell comes into the side and is listed at No.3, while fast bowler Gus Atkinson returns after missing the last outing.
Atkinson comes in for Jofra Archer who has been ruled out for the remainder of the series with a left side strain, with batter Ollie Pope also left out of the side.
Jacob Bethell's quickfire 88 against South Africa in 2022 | U19 Cricket World Cup
Jacob Bethell's quickfire 88 against South Africa in 2022 | U19 Cricket World Cup
England XI
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue
Ashes schedule:
First Test: Perth Stadium, November 21-22 (Australia won by eight wickets)
Second Test: Gabba, December 4-7 (Australia won by eight wickets)
Third Test: Adelaide Oval, December 17-21 (Australia won by 82 runs)
Fourth Test: MCG, December 26-30
Fifth Test: SCG, January 4-8
