🔗 Share this article Fast bowler Gus Atkinson Compounds the English team's Fitness Problems. 'Significant concern' for the touring side as Atkinson goes off with a hamstring injury. The English seamer added to the fitness woes of the England squad when he left the playing area early on day two of the Boxing Day Test versus the Australians. The pace bowler experienced discomfort in his hamstring immediately following a delivery in his spell during the morning session. The England team stated the 27-year-old reported "discomfort" and was to take time off the field to undergo evaluation "during the day". The concluding match of the series in Sydney gets underway at the end of the week. The English side has already lost strike bowlers one seamer to a knee injury and another paceman because of a side injury on the current trip. Matthew Fisher was called up as injury reinforcement. Atkinson struggled in the opening two Tests, claiming a mere three wickets. He was omitted from the previous Test, before being recalled for the fourth Test as Archer's replacement. Atkinson performed better in the fourth Test, claiming a couple of wickets in Australia's first innings, then making 28 with the bat among just a trio of teammates to reach double figures. Following a brief spell in Australia's second innings, he returned for the second day's play and had nightwatchman edging to the keeper. Yet, at the end of his spell, he sent down a slower ball to the batsman and promptly felt his left hamstring. The English bowler was brought back for the fourth Ashes Test following his omission the previous Test.