🔗 Share this article Seamer Atkinson Compounds England's Injury Problems. 'Major setback' for the touring side after Atkinson goes off due to a hamstring issue. Gus Atkinson added to the fitness woes of the England squad when he left the field early on day two in the Melbourne Test against Australia. Atkinson felt a problem in his left leg post-delivery that he bowled during the morning session. Team management indicated Atkinson felt some "soreness" and was to take time off the field for further assessment "during the day". The final Test of the series at the SCG begins on Sunday, 4 January. The English side has been without key quicks one seamer due to knee trouble and another paceman to a side strain on the current trip. A replacement bowler was brought into the squad as injury reinforcement. Atkinson struggled early in the series, claiming a mere three wickets. He was omitted of the third Test, before being recalled for the Boxing Day match as Archer's replacement. Atkinson showed better form in Melbourne, bagging two scalps in Australia's first innings, before adding 28 while batting as one of just three English batsmen who passed ten runs. Following a brief spell in Australia's second innings, he returned on Saturday morning and removed Scott Boland edging to the keeper. Unfortunately, at the end of his spell, he bowled a variation to Travis Head and immediately felt his left hamstring. Atkinson returned to the side for the fourth Ashes Test after being left out the Adelaide game.