Seamer Atkinson Exacerbates the English team's Injury Concerns.

'Major setback' for England after Atkinson leaves the field suffering a hamstring problem.

The pace bowler further complicated England's injury problems when he left the ground early on day two in the Melbourne Test versus the Australians.

The pace bowler experienced discomfort in his left hamstring after the final ball that he bowled during the morning session.

The touring camp indicated the 27-year-old had experienced "tightness" and would spend time on the sidelines in order to be assessed "during the day".

The series decider of the tour in Sydney gets underway on Sunday, 4 January.

The visitors have already lost key quicks Mark Wood due to knee trouble and another paceman because of a side injury on this Ashes tour.

Matthew Fisher was called up to provide backup.

Atkinson struggled in the opening two Tests, claiming a mere three wickets.

He was left out of the third Test, only to be brought back for the Melbourne Test to fill the void.

Surrey's Atkinson improved at the MCG, claiming a couple of wickets in Australia's first innings, before adding 28 while batting as one of just three English batsmen who passed ten runs.

After bowling one over in Australia's second innings, he returned the next day and had nightwatchman taken by the wicketkeeper.

However, towards the conclusion of his spell, he bowled a change of pace to the batsman and promptly felt at his leg.