Paceman Atkinson Exacerbates England's Fitness Worries.
'Major setback' for the English camp after Atkinson leaves the field due to a hamstring issue.
The pace bowler increased the injury concerns plaguing England when he left the field during Saturday's play in the Melbourne Test versus the Australians.
The right-arm seamer pulled up with his left hamstring after the final ball in his spell at the MCG.
Team management indicated the 27-year-old reported "discomfort" and was to take time away from the action for further assessment "in the coming hours".
The final Test in this Ashes battle beginning on 4 January begins at the end of the week.
England have already lost key quicks Mark Wood with a knee problem and another paceman because of a side injury on this Ashes tour.
Matthew Fisher was brought into the squad as cover for Wood.
Atkinson struggled during the first two matches, taking just three wickets.
He was left out of the third Test, then recalled for the Melbourne Test in the playing XI.
The county bowler performed better in the fourth Test, 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.
Post a single over at the end of day one, he returned on Saturday morning and dismissed the nightwatchman edging to the keeper.
Unfortunately, at the end of his spell, he delivered a variation to Travis Head and promptly felt for his hamstring.
The English bowler was recalled for the Melbourne match after being left out of the third.
