Paceman Gus Atkinson Compounds England's Fitness Problems.
'Serious blow' for the English camp after Atkinson leaves the field due to a hamstring issue.
The pace bowler further complicated the fitness woes of the England squad upon exiting the ground on the second morning of the fourth Ashes Test against Australia.
Atkinson felt a problem in his hamstring immediately following a delivery in his spell at the MCG.
The touring camp reported the 27-year-old reported "discomfort" and required time away from the action for further assessment "over the next few hours".
The concluding match of the series beginning on 4 January gets underway this coming Sunday.
The visitors have been without key quicks one seamer with a knee problem and another paceman with an abdominal strain during this series.
A replacement bowler was brought into the squad to provide backup.
Atkinson struggled early in the series, claiming a mere a handful of scalps.
He was dropped of the third Test, then recalled for the Melbourne Test to fill the void.
Atkinson showed better form in Melbourne, claiming a couple of wickets in Australia's first innings, and scoring 28 runs as a batsman as one of just three England players to reach double figures.
Post a single over in Australia's second innings, he resumed for the second day's play and had nightwatchman edging to the keeper.
However, on the final ball of that over, he bowled a slower ball to Travis Head and promptly felt at his leg.
The English bowler returned to the side for the Boxing Day Test following his omission of the third.
