Seamer Atkinson Exacerbates England's Fitness Worries.
'Major setback' for England after Atkinson is forced off suffering a hamstring problem.
The English seamer further complicated England's injury problems upon exiting the playing area early on day two of the fourth Ashes Test in the Ashes series.
The pace bowler pulled up with his hamstring after the final ball that he bowled on Saturday.
The England team reported Atkinson felt some "soreness" and would spend time on the sidelines for further assessment "over the next few hours".
The final Test in this Ashes battle at the SCG starts this coming Sunday.
The visitors have already lost key quicks Mark Wood due to knee trouble and another paceman because of a side injury on the current trip.
Matthew Fisher was brought into the squad as cover for Wood.
Atkinson struggled early in the series, managing only three wickets.
He was left out from the previous Test, before being recalled for the fourth Test as Archer's replacement.
Surrey's Atkinson improved at the MCG, taking two wickets during the host's first knock, before adding 28 while batting among just a trio of teammates who passed ten runs.
Post a single over at the end of day one, he returned the next day and had nightwatchman taken by the wicketkeeper.
However, on the final ball of the fifth over, he bowled a slower ball to the batsman and immediately felt for his hamstring.
Atkinson was brought back for the Boxing Day Test after being left out the previous Test.