Seamer Gus Atkinson Exacerbates England's Injury Concerns.
'Major setback' for England as Atkinson is forced off due to a hamstring issue.
The pace bowler added to the fitness woes of the England squad upon exiting the ground on the second morning of the Boxing Day Test in the Ashes series.
The right-arm seamer pulled up with his left hamstring after the final ball that he bowled at the MCG.
Team management stated Atkinson had experienced "tightness" and required time away from the action for further assessment "in the coming hours".
The series decider of the tour at the SCG starts at the end of the week.
England have been without fast bowlers one seamer with a knee problem and another paceman to a side strain during this series.
A replacement bowler was brought into the squad as cover for Wood.
His form was underwhelming during the first two matches, taking just a handful of scalps.
He was omitted of the third Test, only to be brought back for the Melbourne Test to fill the void.
Surrey's Atkinson improved at the MCG, bagging two scalps during the host's first knock, and scoring 28 runs while batting being one of only three England players to reach double figures.
Following a brief spell in Australia's second innings, he resumed on Saturday morning and dismissed the nightwatchman taken by the wicketkeeper.
Yet, towards the conclusion of the fifth over, he sent down a variation to Travis Head and immediately felt for his hamstring.
Gus Atkinson was brought back for the Boxing Day Test following his omission the previous Test.
