Fast bowler Gus Atkinson Adds to England's Fitness Worries.

The pace bowler increased England's injury problems upon exiting the playing area early on day two of the Boxing Day Test in the Ashes series.

The right-arm seamer experienced discomfort in his hamstring post-delivery that he bowled on Saturday.

The touring camp stated the 27-year-old reported "discomfort" and was to take time away from the action for further assessment "over the next few hours".

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

The visitors have been without strike bowlers Mark Wood due to knee trouble and another paceman because of a side injury on this Ashes tour.

A replacement bowler was brought into the squad as injury reinforcement.

Atkinson struggled early in the series, managing only a handful of scalps.

He was dropped of the third Test, only to be brought back for the fourth Test as Archer's replacement.

The county bowler showed better form in Melbourne, claiming a couple of wickets during the host's first knock, then making 28 as a batsman as one of just three England players to get into double digits.

Post a single over at the end of day one, he returned on Saturday morning and removed Scott Boland edging to the keeper.

However, at the end of that over, he delivered a variation to Travis Head and immediately felt his left hamstring.