Paceman Atkinson Compounds England's Fitness Worries.

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

The pace bowler increased the fitness woes of the England squad after leaving the ground on the second morning of the Boxing Day Test in the Ashes series.

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

The England team stated Atkinson had experienced "tightness" and was to take time off the field for further assessment "during the day".

The series decider of the tour in Sydney starts on Sunday, 4 January.

England have already lost strike bowlers Mark Wood to a knee injury and Jofra Archer to a side strain during this series.

Matthew Fisher was called up as injury reinforcement.

His form was underwhelming early in the series, taking just a handful of scalps.

He was dropped of the third Test, then recalled for the Melbourne Test to fill the void.

Surrey's Atkinson showed better form in Melbourne, claiming a couple of wickets during the host's first knock, then making 28 while batting among just a trio of English batsmen to reach double figures.

After bowling one over in Australia's second innings, he came back the next day and dismissed the nightwatchman edging to the keeper.

However, at the end of his spell, he sent down a change of pace to Travis Head and immediately felt at his leg.