Seamer Atkinson Adds to England's Injury Problems.
'Serious blow' for England as Atkinson is forced off with a hamstring injury.
The pace bowler increased the fitness woes of the England squad after leaving the field early on day two in the Melbourne Test versus the Australians.
The right-arm seamer experienced discomfort in his hamstring post-delivery that he bowled at the MCG.
The England team reported the 27-year-old felt some "soreness" and required time on the sidelines in order to be assessed "during the day".
The series decider of the tour beginning on 4 January gets underway this coming Sunday.
England have been without fast bowlers Mark Wood with a knee problem and another paceman because of a side injury on this Ashes tour.
Matthew Fisher was called up as injury reinforcement.
The seamer had a tough time in the opening two Tests, claiming a mere a handful of scalps.
He was left out of the third Test, then recalled for the fourth Test to fill the void.
Atkinson improved at the MCG, taking two wickets during the host's first knock, before adding 28 as a batsman as one of just three England players to reach double figures.
Post a single over at the end of day one, he came back the next day and dismissed the nightwatchman Scott Boland caught behind.
Unfortunately, at the end of that over, he sent down a slower ball to the batsman and promptly felt for his hamstring.
The English bowler was brought back for the Boxing Day Test following his omission of the third.
