Seamer Atkinson Compounds England's Injury Worries.
'Serious blow' for the touring side as Atkinson goes off due to a hamstring issue.
Gus Atkinson further complicated the fitness woes of the England squad upon exiting the playing area on the second morning of the fourth Ashes Test versus the Australians.
The pace bowler felt a problem in his hamstring post-delivery that he bowled during the morning session.
The England team indicated the 27-year-old felt some "soreness" and was to take time away from the action for further assessment "over the next few hours".
The series decider in this Ashes battle in Sydney begins at the end of the week.
The visitors have previously lost strike bowlers Mark Wood due to knee trouble and Jofra Archer to a side strain on this Ashes tour.
Matthew Fisher was brought into the squad as cover for Wood.
Atkinson struggled in the opening two Tests, taking just three wickets.
He was omitted of the third Test, then recalled for the fourth Test in the playing XI.
The county bowler improved at the MCG, claiming a couple of wickets during the host's first knock, and scoring 28 runs while batting among just a trio of teammates who passed ten runs.
Post a single over at the end of day one, he returned on Saturday morning and removed Scott Boland taken by the wicketkeeper.
Unfortunately, at the end of his spell, he sent down a slower ball to the batsman and suddenly grabbed his left hamstring.
The English bowler was recalled for the Melbourne match following his omission of the third.
