Seamer Gus Atkinson Exacerbates England's Fitness Problems.
'Serious blow' for the touring side as Atkinson leaves the field due to a hamstring issue.
Gus Atkinson further complicated the fitness woes of the England squad after leaving the field early on day two in the Melbourne Test against Australia.
The pace bowler felt a problem in his left leg immediately following a delivery that he bowled on Saturday.
Team management stated Atkinson reported "discomfort" and required time on the sidelines for further assessment "over the next few hours".
The concluding match of the series in Sydney starts at the end of the week.
The English side has previously lost key quicks Mark Wood to a knee injury and Jofra Archer to a side strain during this series.
Matthew Fisher was brought into the squad to provide backup.
His form was underwhelming early in the series, claiming a mere a handful of scalps.
He was omitted of the third Test, before being recalled for the Melbourne Test in the playing XI.
Atkinson showed better form in Melbourne, bagging two scalps with the ball, then making 28 as a batsman being one of only three England players who passed ten runs.
Following a brief spell in Australia's second innings, he resumed on Saturday morning and removed Scott Boland edging to the keeper.
However, towards the conclusion of that over, he sent down a slower ball to Travis Head and promptly felt his left hamstring.
Atkinson returned to the side for the Boxing Day Test following his omission the Adelaide game.
