Paceman Atkinson Exacerbates England's Injury Problems.

The English seamer increased the fitness woes of the England squad upon exiting the playing area on the second morning of the fourth Ashes Test versus the Australians.

The right-arm seamer pulled up with his left leg post-delivery in his spell during the morning session.

Team management indicated the 27-year-old had experienced "tightness" and would spend time off the field in order to be assessed "over the next few hours".

The final Test of the tour beginning on 4 January gets underway this coming Sunday.

England have been without strike bowlers one seamer with a knee problem and another paceman with an abdominal strain during this series.

A replacement bowler was called up to provide backup.

The seamer had a tough time during the first two matches, claiming a mere a handful of scalps.

He was omitted for the Adelaide match, only to be brought back for the Melbourne Test in the playing XI.

Atkinson showed better form in Melbourne, claiming a couple of wickets in Australia's first innings, before adding 28 with the bat among just a trio of England players to reach double figures.

After bowling one over in Australia's second innings, he resumed on Saturday morning and dismissed the nightwatchman Scott Boland caught behind.

Yet, towards the conclusion of his spell, he delivered a change of pace to Travis Head and immediately felt his left hamstring.