Atherton Backs Pope Drop, Slams McCullum: 'Painful Reminder' of Ashes Collapse

• Former England captain Michael Atherton supports dropping Ollie Pope for the Boxing Day Test due to poor form at number three.
• Pope's struggles at number three in Australia were evident, with his average against Australia at a paltry 17.
• Atherton criticizes Brendon McCullum, calling Pope's initial promotion his "first big call" and the drop a "painful reminder of how everything is falling apart."
• Jofra Archer's injury is a significant blow, as he was England's best bowler, despite Mark Wood's failed gamble.
• England confirmed Gus Atkinson replaces Archer and Jacob Bethell replaces Pope at number three for the fourth Test.

Why It Matters: Atherton backs Pope's removal but highlights McCullum's misjudgment and England's Ashes struggles.