Seamer Atkinson Adds to England's Fitness Problems.
'Major setback' for the touring side after Atkinson leaves the field due to a hamstring issue.
The English seamer added to the fitness woes of the England squad upon exiting the field during Saturday's play in the Melbourne Test versus the Australians.
The pace bowler experienced discomfort in his hamstring after the final ball in his spell at the MCG.
The England team stated the 27-year-old had experienced "tightness" and required time off the field for further assessment "during the day".
The final Test in this Ashes battle in Sydney starts at the end of the week.
The English side has been without fast bowlers Mark Wood due to knee trouble and another paceman to a side strain during this series.
A replacement bowler was called up to provide backup.
Atkinson struggled early in the series, taking just a handful of scalps.
He was left out for the Adelaide match, then recalled for the Boxing Day match to fill the void.
Surrey's Atkinson performed better in the fourth Test, bagging two scalps in Australia's first innings, and scoring 28 runs while batting being one of only three English batsmen to get into double digits.
Following a brief spell in Australia's second innings, he came back for the second day's play and removed Scott Boland edging to the keeper.
Unfortunately, at the end of his spell, he delivered a change of pace to Travis Head and immediately felt his left hamstring.
Atkinson returned to the side for the Boxing Day Test following his omission the Adelaide game.
