Seamer Atkinson Compounds England's Injury Worries.
'Major setback' for England after Atkinson is forced off due to a hamstring issue.
The pace bowler increased the injury concerns plaguing England upon exiting the playing area early on day two in the Melbourne Test in the Ashes series.
The pace bowler felt a problem in his left hamstring immediately following a delivery of the fourth over on Saturday.
The touring camp reported Atkinson had experienced "tightness" and required time off the field to undergo evaluation "during the day".
The concluding match in this Ashes battle at the SCG gets underway this coming Sunday.
The visitors have already lost fast bowlers Mark Wood due to knee trouble and Jofra Archer because of a side injury on this Ashes tour.
A replacement bowler was called up as cover for Wood.
His form was underwhelming in the opening two Tests, managing only a handful of scalps.
He was dropped of the third Test, before being recalled for the Boxing Day match to fill the void.
The county bowler performed better in the fourth Test, claiming a couple of wickets with the ball, before adding 28 with the bat being one of only three England players to get into double digits.
Following a brief spell at the end of day one, he resumed the next day and dismissed the nightwatchman Scott Boland caught behind.
Yet, towards the conclusion of his spell, he bowled a variation to the batsman and suddenly grabbed for his hamstring.
Gus Atkinson returned to the side for the Boxing Day Test having missed the Adelaide game.
