Seamer Atkinson Exacerbates England's Fitness Worries.
'Significant concern' for England as Atkinson is forced off with a hamstring injury.
The English seamer increased the fitness woes of the England squad when he left the ground early on day two of the Boxing Day Test against Australia.
Atkinson experienced discomfort in his left leg after the final ball in his spell at the MCG.
Team management indicated Atkinson had experienced "tightness" and required time away from the action to undergo evaluation "over the next few hours".
The concluding match of the tour beginning on 4 January starts on Sunday, 4 January.
The English side has been without key quicks one seamer to a knee injury and another paceman to a side strain during this series.
A replacement bowler was brought into the squad as injury reinforcement.
Atkinson struggled in the opening two Tests, managing only a handful of scalps.
He was dropped of the third Test, before being recalled for the fourth Test to fill the void.
Atkinson improved at the MCG, claiming a couple of wickets during the host's first knock, then making 28 while batting being one of only three England players who passed ten runs.
Following a brief spell at the end of day one, he returned the next day and had nightwatchman edging to the keeper.
Unfortunately, on the final ball of that over, he delivered a slower ball to Travis Head and promptly felt his left hamstring.
The English bowler returned to the side for the fourth Ashes Test after being left out of the third.