Paceman Atkinson Exacerbates England's Fitness Concerns.
'Major setback' for the touring side as Atkinson leaves the field with a hamstring injury.
The English seamer further complicated the fitness woes of the England squad when he left the field early on day two of the Boxing Day Test against Australia.
Atkinson felt a problem in his left hamstring post-delivery in his spell during the morning session.
The England team stated Atkinson reported "discomfort" and was to take time away from the action to undergo evaluation "in the coming hours".
The concluding match in this Ashes battle in Sydney gets underway at the end of the week.
The English side has previously lost key quicks one seamer with a knee problem and another paceman to a side strain on the current trip.
A replacement bowler was added to the party as cover for Wood.
Atkinson struggled during the first two matches, claiming a mere three wickets.
He was left out of the third Test, only to be brought back for the Boxing Day match in the playing XI.
Surrey's Atkinson showed better form in Melbourne, taking two wickets with the ball, and scoring 28 runs as a batsman being one of only three teammates who passed ten runs.
Following a brief spell in Australia's second innings, he came back for the second day's play and had nightwatchman taken by the wicketkeeper.
Unfortunately, on the final ball of that over, he bowled a change of pace to the batsman and immediately felt his left hamstring.
Atkinson returned to the side for the Melbourne match after being left out the previous Test.
