Paceman Atkinson Adds to the English team's Injury Problems.

'Significant concern' for the touring side after Atkinson goes off with a hamstring injury.

Gus Atkinson increased England's injury problems after leaving the playing area on the second morning in the Melbourne Test in the Ashes series.

The right-arm seamer experienced discomfort in his left leg post-delivery of the fourth over on Saturday.

The touring camp reported the 27-year-old felt some "soreness" and required time off the field to undergo evaluation "over the next few hours".

The final Test of the series in Sydney begins on Sunday, 4 January.

England have previously lost strike bowlers one seamer to a knee injury and Jofra Archer to a side strain on this Ashes tour.

A replacement bowler was called up as cover for Wood.

Atkinson struggled during the first two matches, managing only three wickets.

He was omitted of the third Test, then recalled for the fourth Test in the playing XI.

Surrey's Atkinson performed better in the fourth Test, claiming a couple of wickets with the ball, and scoring 28 runs while batting being one of only three teammates to get into double digits.

Following a brief spell late on the first day, he returned the next day and removed Scott Boland taken by the wicketkeeper.

However, at the end of his spell, he bowled a change of pace to the batsman and suddenly grabbed at his leg.

The English bowler returned to the side for the Boxing Day Test following his omission of the third.

Christine Smith
Christine Smith

Automotive journalist with 12 years of experience covering electric vehicles and sustainable mobility trends across Europe.