🔗 Share this article Seamer Atkinson Adds to the English team's Fitness Concerns. 'Serious blow' for the English camp as Atkinson leaves the field suffering a hamstring problem. Gus Atkinson added to the fitness woes of the England squad after leaving the field on the second morning of the Boxing Day Test against Australia. Atkinson felt a problem in his left hamstring after the final ball in his spell during the morning session. The England team reported the 27-year-old reported "discomfort" and would spend time off the field for further assessment "over the next few hours". The concluding match of the tour in Sydney begins on Sunday, 4 January. The English side has been without fast bowlers one seamer with a knee problem and another paceman with an abdominal strain during this series. Matthew Fisher was called up to provide backup. Atkinson struggled in the opening two Tests, managing only three wickets. He was left out from the previous Test, only to be brought back for the fourth Test as Archer's replacement. Surrey's Atkinson showed better form in Melbourne, claiming a couple of wickets during the host's first knock, then making 28 as a batsman as one of just three English batsmen to get into double digits. After bowling one over in Australia's second innings, he returned for the second day's play and removed Scott Boland edging to the keeper. However, at the end of his spell, he bowled a variation to the batsman and promptly felt at his leg. The English bowler was brought back for the fourth Ashes Test after being left out of the third.