🔗 Share this article Seamer Gus Atkinson Exacerbates England's Fitness Problems. 'Serious blow' for England as Atkinson goes off with a hamstring injury. Gus Atkinson added to the fitness woes of the England squad upon exiting the playing area early on day two in the Melbourne Test versus the Australians. Atkinson pulled up with his left hamstring after the final ball in his spell during the morning session. The touring camp stated the 27-year-old felt some "soreness" and required time away from the action to undergo evaluation "in the coming hours". The series decider in this Ashes battle at the SCG gets underway at the end of the week. England have been without strike bowlers Mark Wood due to knee trouble and another paceman to a side strain on the current trip. Matthew Fisher was added to the party as injury reinforcement. Atkinson struggled during the first two matches, managing only a handful of scalps. He was omitted of the third Test, before being recalled for the fourth Test in the playing XI. The county bowler performed better in the fourth Test, taking two wickets in Australia's first innings, and scoring 28 runs while batting as one of just three English batsmen who passed ten runs. Following a brief spell late on the first day, he resumed for the second day's play and removed Scott Boland edging to the keeper. However, at the end of his spell, he sent down a change of pace to the batsman and promptly felt at his leg. Atkinson returned to the side for the Melbourne match having missed the Adelaide game.