🔗 Share this article Paceman Gus Atkinson Adds to England's Fitness Worries. 'Serious blow' for the English camp after Atkinson is forced off due to a hamstring issue. The English seamer increased the fitness woes of the England squad upon exiting the ground early on day two of the Boxing Day Test in the Ashes series. Atkinson felt a problem in his left leg immediately following a delivery that he bowled during the morning session. The touring camp indicated the 27-year-old reported "discomfort" and was to take time away from the action for further assessment "over the next few hours". The concluding match in this Ashes battle beginning on 4 January starts this coming Sunday. The visitors have already lost strike bowlers one seamer due to knee trouble and another paceman with an abdominal strain during this series. A replacement bowler was called up to provide backup. Atkinson struggled in the opening two Tests, claiming a mere a handful of scalps. He was dropped for the Adelaide match, only to be brought back for the fourth Test in the playing XI. Surrey's Atkinson performed better in the fourth Test, taking two wickets in Australia's first innings, before adding 28 with the bat among just a trio of England players to reach double figures. Following a brief spell at the end of day one, he returned for the second day's play and had nightwatchman Scott Boland caught behind. However, towards the conclusion of his spell, he delivered a variation to Travis Head and promptly felt for his hamstring. The English bowler was brought back for the Boxing Day Test having missed the previous Test.