Seamer Gus Atkinson Compounds England's Fitness Problems.
'Major setback' for the English camp as Atkinson goes off due to a hamstring issue.
Gus Atkinson increased the injury concerns plaguing England when he left the playing area early on day two in the Melbourne Test against Australia.
The right-arm seamer pulled up with his hamstring post-delivery of the fourth over on Saturday.
Team management stated the 27-year-old reported "discomfort" and required time away from the action to undergo evaluation "during the day".
The series decider in this Ashes battle in Sydney begins on Sunday, 4 January.
The English side has been without key quicks one seamer with a knee problem and another paceman with an abdominal strain during this series.
A replacement bowler was added to the party to provide backup.
His form was underwhelming early in the series, claiming a mere three wickets.
He was dropped for the Adelaide match, then recalled for the Boxing Day match in the playing XI.
The county bowler showed better form in Melbourne, taking two wickets during the host's first knock, then making 28 as a batsman being one of only three England players to reach double figures.
Post a single over late on the first day, he resumed for the second day's play and removed Scott Boland edging to the keeper.
Unfortunately, towards the conclusion of his spell, he bowled a change of pace to the batsman and immediately felt for his hamstring.
The English bowler was recalled for the Melbourne match after being left out the Adelaide game.