Seamer Atkinson Exacerbates England's Fitness Worries.
'Serious blow' for England as Atkinson is forced off with a hamstring injury.
Gus Atkinson increased England's injury problems upon exiting the field early on day two of the Boxing Day Test versus the Australians.
The right-arm seamer experienced discomfort in his left leg immediately following a delivery in his spell on Saturday.
Team management stated the 27-year-old reported "discomfort" and was to take time on the sidelines for further assessment "in the coming hours".
The final Test in this Ashes battle at the SCG begins this coming Sunday.
England have been without fast bowlers one seamer with a knee problem and another paceman with an abdominal strain on this Ashes tour.
Matthew Fisher was called up as cover for Wood.
His form was underwhelming during the first two matches, claiming a mere a handful of scalps.
He was omitted of the third Test, then recalled for the fourth Test to fill the void.
Surrey's Atkinson improved at the MCG, claiming a couple of wickets during the host's first knock, and scoring 28 runs while batting among just a trio of teammates to get into double digits.
Post a single over at the end of day one, he returned on Saturday morning and had nightwatchman edging to the keeper.
Yet, towards the conclusion of that over, he delivered a slower ball to Travis Head and suddenly grabbed his left hamstring.
Atkinson returned to the side for the fourth Ashes Test following his omission the previous Test.