Fast bowler Atkinson Exacerbates England's Fitness Concerns.

'Serious blow' for England after Atkinson leaves the field suffering a hamstring problem.

The pace bowler added to the fitness woes of the England squad after leaving the playing area on the second morning of the Boxing Day Test versus the Australians.

The right-arm seamer experienced discomfort in his left leg immediately following a delivery in his spell on Saturday.

The touring camp stated the 27-year-old reported "discomfort" and was to take time off the field in order to be assessed "during the day".

The concluding match of the series at the SCG gets underway at the end of the week.

The English side has been without fast bowlers Mark Wood due to knee trouble and another paceman because of a side injury on the current trip.

A replacement bowler was added to the party as injury reinforcement.

His form was underwhelming during the first two matches, claiming a mere three wickets.

He was left out for the Adelaide match, before being recalled for the Boxing Day match as Archer's replacement.

Atkinson performed better in the fourth Test, taking two wickets with the ball, before adding 28 as a batsman as one of just three English batsmen to reach double figures.

After bowling one over at the end of day one, he resumed the next day and removed Scott Boland Scott Boland caught behind.

Yet, at the end of that over, he delivered a change of pace to Travis Head and immediately felt for his hamstring.