Fast bowler Gus Atkinson Exacerbates the English team's Fitness Concerns.

'Major setback' for England after Atkinson goes off with a hamstring injury.

Gus Atkinson added to the fitness woes of the England squad when he left the ground early on day two in the Melbourne Test versus the Australians.

The pace bowler experienced discomfort in his hamstring after the final ball in his spell at the MCG.

The touring camp stated 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 of the series beginning on 4 January starts at the end of the week.

England have previously lost fast bowlers Mark Wood due to knee trouble and Jofra Archer to a side strain on this Ashes tour.

A replacement bowler was added to the party to provide backup.

Atkinson struggled during the first two matches, managing only a handful of scalps.

He was dropped of the third Test, then recalled for the Boxing Day match as Archer's replacement.

The county bowler showed better form in Melbourne, taking two wickets with the ball, then making 28 as a batsman being one of only three English batsmen to reach double figures.

After bowling one over late on the first day, he returned the next day and removed Scott Boland edging to the keeper.

Unfortunately, on the final ball of his spell, he delivered a slower ball to the batsman and suddenly grabbed his left hamstring.

The English bowler was brought back for the fourth Ashes Test following his omission the Adelaide game.

Kim Ramirez
Kim Ramirez

A passionate golfer and journalist with over a decade of experience covering PGA tours and equipment innovations.