🔗 Share this article Fast bowler Atkinson Compounds England's Fitness Problems. 'Serious blow' for the English camp as Atkinson goes off with a hamstring injury. The pace bowler increased the fitness woes of the England squad when he left the ground during Saturday's play in the Melbourne Test versus the Australians. The right-arm seamer experienced discomfort in his left leg after the final ball that he bowled at the MCG. The touring camp indicated Atkinson reported "discomfort" and was to take time away from the action to undergo evaluation "in the coming hours". The final Test of the series at the SCG begins on Sunday, 4 January. England have previously lost key quicks one seamer due to knee trouble and Jofra Archer because of a side injury on this Ashes tour. Matthew Fisher was called up to provide backup. Atkinson struggled during the first two matches, taking just a handful of scalps. He was left out for the Adelaide match, then recalled for the Melbourne Test in the playing XI. Atkinson showed better form in Melbourne, taking two wickets in Australia's first innings, and scoring 28 runs while batting as one of just three teammates to reach double figures. Post a single over late on the first day, he resumed on Saturday morning and had nightwatchman taken by the wicketkeeper. Unfortunately, on the final ball of his spell, he delivered a change of pace to the batsman and suddenly grabbed at his leg. The English bowler returned to the side for the Boxing Day Test following his omission of the third.