Overview
- England confirmed their XI for the fourth Test at the MCG with two changes to the lineup.
- Jacob Bethell was selected to bat at number three after sustained struggles for Pope in the role.
- Gus Atkinson was brought in with Jofra Archer unavailable due to injury.
- Michael Atherton backed removing Pope, citing an away average now below 30 and a series mark of 17 against Australia.
- Atherton called Archer England’s most effective bowler this series and described Mark Wood’s selection as a high-risk gamble that failed.