Paceman Atkinson Exacerbates England's Fitness Concerns.
'Major setback' for the touring side as Atkinson leaves the field suffering a hamstring problem.
Gus Atkinson added to the injury concerns plaguing England upon exiting the playing area during Saturday's play of the Boxing Day Test against Australia.
The right-arm seamer felt a problem in his left hamstring after the final ball of the fourth over during the morning session.
The touring camp stated Atkinson felt some "soreness" and would spend time away from the action in order to be assessed "during the day".
The final Test in this Ashes battle in Sydney begins on Sunday, 4 January.
The English side has previously lost key quicks Mark Wood with a knee problem and another paceman because of a side injury on the current trip.
A replacement bowler was brought into the squad to provide backup.
His form was underwhelming in the opening two Tests, claiming a mere three wickets.
He was omitted for the Adelaide match, then recalled for the Melbourne Test to fill the void.
Surrey's Atkinson showed better form in Melbourne, taking two wickets with the ball, before adding 28 while batting among just a trio of England players to get into double digits.
Following a brief spell late on the first day, he came back for the second day's play and dismissed the nightwatchman edging to the keeper.
Yet, on the final ball of that over, he bowled a change of pace to the batsman and suddenly grabbed for his hamstring.
The English bowler returned to the side for the Melbourne match having missed of the third.
