Paceman Atkinson Exacerbates the English team's Fitness Concerns.

'Serious blow' for the English camp after Atkinson leaves the field suffering a hamstring problem.

The pace bowler further complicated the fitness woes of the England squad when he left the field early on day two of the Boxing Day Test against Australia.

The right-arm seamer experienced discomfort in his left leg after the final ball of the fourth over during the morning session.

The England team reported the 27-year-old reported "discomfort" and was to take time off the field to undergo evaluation "in the coming hours".

The series decider in this Ashes battle beginning on 4 January begins on Sunday, 4 January.

England have already lost fast bowlers Mark Wood due to knee trouble and Jofra Archer because of a side injury on the current trip.

Matthew Fisher was called up to provide backup.

Atkinson struggled early in the series, managing only three wickets.

He was omitted for the Adelaide match, then recalled for the Melbourne Test as Archer's replacement.

Atkinson performed better in the fourth Test, taking two wickets during the host's first knock, and scoring 28 runs with the bat as one of just three England players to get into double digits.

Following a brief spell late on the first day, he came back the next day and removed Scott Boland Scott Boland caught behind.

Yet, towards the conclusion of his spell, he delivered a slower ball to Travis Head and immediately felt his left hamstring.

Atkinson was brought back for the Boxing Day Test after being left out of the third.

Jeffrey Brewer
Jeffrey Brewer

A tech strategist with over a decade of experience in digital innovation and AI-driven solutions for global enterprises.