Fast bowler Gus Atkinson Compounds the English team's Fitness Worries.
'Serious blow' for the English camp as Atkinson leaves the field due to a hamstring issue.
The pace bowler added to the fitness woes of the England squad upon exiting the playing area early on day two in the Melbourne Test in the Ashes series.
The right-arm seamer pulled up with his left leg after the final ball of the fourth over at the MCG.
The England team stated Atkinson felt some "soreness" and required time off the field for further assessment "during the day".
The series decider in this Ashes battle in Sydney gets underway on Sunday, 4 January.
The English side has already lost fast bowlers one seamer to a knee injury and another paceman because of a side injury during this series.
Matthew Fisher was brought into the squad to provide backup.
Atkinson struggled during the first two matches, managing only three wickets.
He was left out from the previous Test, then recalled for the fourth Test as Archer's replacement.
Atkinson showed better form in Melbourne, claiming a couple of wickets during the host's first knock, then making 28 while batting among just a trio of England players to reach double figures.
Post a single over late on the first day, he returned on Saturday morning and removed Scott Boland Scott Boland caught behind.
Unfortunately, towards the conclusion of that over, he delivered a slower ball to Travis Head and promptly felt his left hamstring.
Atkinson was recalled for the fourth Ashes Test having missed of the third.
