Seamer Gus Atkinson Exacerbates England's Fitness Problems.

'Major setback' for the touring side after Atkinson is forced off with a hamstring injury.

Gus Atkinson added to the fitness woes of the England squad after leaving the playing area during Saturday's play of the fourth Ashes Test versus the Australians.

The right-arm seamer felt a problem in his hamstring immediately following a delivery that he bowled during the morning session.

The England team indicated Atkinson reported "discomfort" and required time off the field for further assessment "over the next few hours".

The final Test of the series in Sydney gets underway on Sunday, 4 January.

England have previously lost key quicks Mark Wood with a knee problem and Jofra Archer with an abdominal strain during this series.

Matthew Fisher was called up as cover for Wood.

Atkinson struggled in the opening two Tests, claiming a mere three wickets.

He was dropped for the Adelaide match, then recalled for the Melbourne Test as Archer's replacement.

The county bowler improved at the MCG, claiming a couple of wickets in Australia's first innings, then making 28 while batting being one of only three teammates who passed ten runs.

After bowling one over at the end of day one, he came back on Saturday morning and had nightwatchman edging to the keeper.

However, on the final ball of the fifth over, he bowled a change of pace to the batsman and promptly felt his left hamstring.