Paceman Atkinson Compounds England's Fitness Worries.
'Major setback' for the English camp after Atkinson goes off with a hamstring injury.
The pace bowler further complicated the fitness woes of the England squad after leaving the field early on day two of the fourth Ashes Test versus the Australians.
The right-arm seamer felt a problem in his left hamstring after the final ball of the fourth over at the MCG.
Team management stated Atkinson reported "discomfort" and required time off the field in order to be assessed "in the coming hours".
The series decider of the tour in Sydney begins this coming Sunday.
The visitors have been without strike bowlers Mark Wood with a knee problem and another paceman because of a side injury on the current trip.
A replacement bowler was called up as cover for Wood.
Atkinson struggled in the opening two Tests, taking just three wickets.
He was omitted for the Adelaide match, then recalled for the Melbourne Test in the playing XI.
The county bowler improved at the MCG, claiming a couple of wickets in Australia's first innings, then making 28 while batting being one of only three English batsmen to reach double figures.
Post a single over in Australia's second innings, he returned for the second day's play and dismissed the nightwatchman taken by the wicketkeeper.
However, at the end of the fifth over, he sent down a change of pace to Travis Head and immediately felt for his hamstring.
The English bowler was recalled for the Melbourne match having missed of the third.
