Paceman Atkinson Exacerbates England's Injury Concerns.
'Serious blow' for the touring side after Atkinson is forced off with a hamstring injury.
The pace bowler further complicated England's injury problems upon exiting the playing area on the second morning of the fourth Ashes Test against Australia.
The pace bowler pulled up with his left hamstring after the final ball in his spell during the morning session.
Team management reported Atkinson reported "discomfort" and was to take time away from the action for further assessment "during the day".
The series decider in this Ashes battle beginning on 4 January begins this coming Sunday.
The English side has already lost key quicks one seamer due to knee trouble and another paceman to a side strain during this series.
A replacement bowler was called up as injury reinforcement.
His form was underwhelming in the opening two Tests, taking just three wickets.
He was dropped of the third Test, then recalled for the Melbourne Test in the playing XI.
Surrey's Atkinson showed better form in Melbourne, taking two wickets in Australia's first innings, and scoring 28 runs as a batsman among just a trio of English batsmen to reach double figures.
Post a single over in Australia's second innings, he resumed on Saturday morning and dismissed the nightwatchman taken by the wicketkeeper.
Yet, towards the conclusion of his spell, he bowled a change of pace to Travis Head and promptly felt for his hamstring.
The English bowler returned to the side for the Boxing Day Test after being left out the previous Test.
