Seamer Atkinson Exacerbates England's Injury Worries.
'Major setback' for England after Atkinson is forced off due to a hamstring issue.
Gus Atkinson increased the injury concerns plaguing England upon exiting the field during Saturday's play of the fourth Ashes Test against Australia.
The pace bowler pulled up with his hamstring after the final ball of the fourth over during the morning session.
The England team indicated the 27-year-old had experienced "tightness" and would spend time on the sidelines to undergo evaluation "during the day".
The final Test in this Ashes battle in Sydney gets underway this coming Sunday.
The English side has been without key quicks Mark Wood due to knee trouble and Jofra Archer because of a side injury on this Ashes tour.
Matthew Fisher was added to the party as cover for Wood.
His form was underwhelming in the opening two Tests, claiming a mere three wickets.
He was dropped for the Adelaide match, before being recalled for the Melbourne Test in the playing XI.
Surrey's Atkinson showed better form in Melbourne, taking two wickets in Australia's first innings, then making 28 while batting among just a trio of English batsmen to reach double figures.
Following a brief spell in Australia's second innings, he returned for the second day's play and had nightwatchman edging to the keeper.
Yet, on the final ball of the fifth over, he delivered a slower ball to Travis Head and promptly felt at his leg.
Gus Atkinson returned to the side for the Boxing Day Test after being left out the Adelaide game.
