Paceman Gus Atkinson Compounds the English team's Fitness Concerns.

'Major setback' for England as Atkinson is forced off due to a hamstring issue.

Gus Atkinson further complicated the injury concerns plaguing England upon exiting the ground on the second morning of the Boxing Day Test in the Ashes series.

The pace bowler pulled up with his hamstring post-delivery of the fourth over on Saturday.

Team management indicated the 27-year-old felt some "soreness" and was to take time away from the action for further assessment "in the coming hours".

The concluding match of the tour beginning on 4 January gets underway at the end of the week.

The English side has previously lost fast bowlers one seamer with a knee problem and another paceman because of a side injury during this series.

Matthew Fisher was called up as injury reinforcement.

The seamer had a tough time in the opening two Tests, taking just three wickets.

He was omitted from the previous Test, before being recalled for the Boxing Day match as Archer's replacement.

Surrey's Atkinson improved at the MCG, claiming a couple of wickets during the host's first knock, then making 28 while batting among just a trio of England players who passed ten runs.

After bowling one over late on the first day, he came back for the second day's play and removed Scott Boland edging to the keeper.

However, towards the conclusion of his spell, he sent down a change of pace to the batsman and suddenly grabbed for his hamstring.

Gus Atkinson was recalled for the Melbourne match following his omission the Adelaide game.

Cheryl Finley
Cheryl Finley

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