'Major setback' for England as Atkinson goes off due to a hamstring issue.
Gus Atkinson added to the fitness woes of the England squad after leaving the ground early on day two of the Boxing Day Test in the Ashes series.
The pace bowler pulled up with his left hamstring post-delivery that he bowled on Saturday.
The touring camp stated Atkinson had experienced "tightness" and was to take time off the field for further assessment "during the day".
The series decider of the tour in Sydney begins at the end of the week.
The English side has already lost fast bowlers one seamer with a knee problem and another paceman to a side strain on this Ashes tour.
Matthew Fisher was brought into the squad as injury reinforcement.
His form was underwhelming in the opening two Tests, taking just three wickets.
He was omitted for the Adelaide match, then recalled for the Boxing Day match as Archer's replacement.
Atkinson showed better form in Melbourne, claiming a couple of wickets in Australia's first innings, then making 28 while batting as one of just three English batsmen who passed ten runs.
After bowling one over in Australia's second innings, he came back the next day and had nightwatchman Scott Boland caught behind.
However, at the end of the fifth over, he bowled a variation to Travis Head and immediately felt at his leg.
Atkinson returned to the side for the Boxing Day Test having missed the previous Test.
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Timothy Haynes
Timothy Haynes
Timothy Haynes
Timothy Haynes