Paceman Gus Atkinson Exacerbates England's Injury Concerns.
'Serious blow' for the touring side after Atkinson leaves the field due to a hamstring issue.
The English seamer increased the fitness woes of the England squad upon exiting the playing area during Saturday's play of the Boxing Day Test against Australia.
Atkinson felt a problem in his hamstring immediately following a delivery of the fourth over during the morning session.
Team management stated Atkinson reported "discomfort" and required time away from the action to undergo evaluation "during the day".
The concluding match of the tour at the SCG gets underway this coming Sunday.
The English side has been without key quicks Mark Wood due to knee trouble and Jofra Archer to a side strain on the current trip.
A replacement bowler was added to the party as cover for Wood.
His form was underwhelming in the opening two Tests, claiming a mere a handful of scalps.
He was omitted from the previous Test, only to be brought back for the fourth Test to fill the void.
Atkinson performed better in the fourth Test, taking two wickets with the ball, before adding 28 while batting among just a trio of England players to get into double digits.
Following a brief spell at the end of day one, he resumed on Saturday morning and had nightwatchman taken by the wicketkeeper.
Unfortunately, towards the conclusion of that over, he bowled a change of pace to the batsman and suddenly grabbed for his hamstring.
The English bowler returned to the side for the Melbourne match after being left out of the third.
