England’s injury problems got worse when Gus Atkinson was forced off the field on day two of the fourth Ashes Testagainst Australia at the MCG.
The fast bowler felt pain in his left hamstring after finishing an over on Saturday and was taken off for assessment. England said the 27-year-old felt some soreness and would be checked over the next few hours.
England are already short of pace bowlers, with Mark Wood ruled out by a knee injury and Jofra Archer sidelined with a side strain. Matthew Fisher has been called up as cover, while Fisher and Matthew Potts are yet to play in the series.
Atkinson, who had a tough start to the Ashes, showed improvement in Melbourne, taking two wickets and scoring 28 runs. He also dismissed Scott Boland on Saturday morning before feeling the injury later in his spell. He was replaced in the field by Ollie Pope.
The final Test of the series starts in Sydney on 4 January, leaving England racing against time to manage their injury concerns.
