Fast bowler Atkinson Exacerbates England's Fitness Worries.
'Significant concern' for the touring side after Atkinson is forced off suffering a hamstring problem.
The pace bowler increased England's injury problems when he left the playing area on the second morning of the Boxing Day Test in the Ashes series.
The right-arm seamer experienced discomfort in his hamstring post-delivery that he bowled during the morning session.
Team management reported Atkinson reported "discomfort" and required time on the sidelines in order to be assessed "during the day".
The final Test of the series in Sydney begins on Sunday, 4 January.
England have been without fast bowlers one seamer due to knee trouble and Jofra Archer because of a side injury during this series.
A replacement bowler was added to the party to provide backup.
His form was underwhelming early in the series, claiming a mere three wickets.
He was left out for the Adelaide match, only to be brought back for the fourth Test as Archer's replacement.
Atkinson improved at the MCG, taking two wickets during the host's first knock, and scoring 28 runs while batting among just a trio of English batsmen who passed ten runs.
Post a single over in Australia's second innings, he resumed the next day and dismissed the nightwatchman taken by the wicketkeeper.
Unfortunately, at the end of the fifth over, he delivered a variation to the batsman and immediately felt at his leg.
The English bowler was brought back for the Melbourne match having missed the Adelaide game.
