Seamer Atkinson Exacerbates the English team's Fitness Worries.
'Significant concern' for the English camp as Atkinson is forced off suffering a hamstring problem.
Gus Atkinson added to the injury concerns plaguing England when he left the field early on day two of the Boxing Day Test in the Ashes series.
Atkinson felt a problem in his left leg after the final ball of the fourth over at the MCG.
The touring camp stated the 27-year-old reported "discomfort" and would spend time on the sidelines for further assessment "during the day".
The series decider of the series at the SCG begins at the end of the week.
The English side has already lost key quicks Mark Wood due to knee trouble and another paceman with an abdominal strain on the current trip.
Matthew Fisher was brought into the squad as injury reinforcement.
His form was underwhelming in the opening two Tests, claiming a mere three wickets.
He was dropped for the Adelaide match, then recalled for the Melbourne Test as Archer's replacement.
Atkinson showed better form in Melbourne, claiming a couple of wickets during the host's first knock, before adding 28 as a batsman as one of just three teammates who passed ten runs.
Post a single over late on the first day, he resumed for the second day's play and removed Scott Boland Scott Boland caught behind.
Yet, at the end of that over, he sent down a variation to the batsman and immediately felt for his hamstring.
Gus Atkinson returned to the side for the Melbourne match following his omission of the third.