Gus Atkinson has become the third England fast bowler to be ruled out of the Ashes after suffering a left hamstring injury. The 27-year-old will miss the final Test against Australia in Sydney after picking up the injury during England’s win in the fourth Test in Melbourne.
England will not call up a replacement, meaning Matthew Potts is set to play in the fifth Test and make his Ashes debut. Atkinson joins Mark Wood and Jofra Archer on the injury list, with all three having featured in England’s first-choice team at the start of the series.
Atkinson had struggled earlier in the Ashes but showed improved form in Melbourne, taking three wickets and scoring 28 before being forced off the field. He took no further part in the match. His return date remains unclear, with further assessment planned once he returns to the UK.
Potts, who has not played a Test since December last year, now has the chance to earn his 11th cap. Meanwhile, Australia may also make changes for the final Test as they look to bounce back from losing their long unbeaten home Ashes run.
