Seamer Atkinson Compounds England's Injury Problems.
'Significant concern' for the touring side as Atkinson is forced off due to a hamstring issue.
The pace bowler increased the injury concerns plaguing England upon exiting the ground early on day two of the Boxing Day Test in the Ashes series.
Atkinson experienced discomfort in his left hamstring immediately following a delivery in his spell on Saturday.
Team management indicated Atkinson felt some "soreness" and would spend time off the field for further assessment "during the day".
The series decider in this Ashes battle beginning on 4 January begins this coming Sunday.
The English side has already lost fast bowlers Mark Wood due to knee trouble and another paceman because of a side injury on this Ashes tour.
Matthew Fisher was added to the party as cover for Wood.
His form was underwhelming during the first two matches, taking just a handful of scalps.
He was dropped from the previous Test, only to be brought back for the Boxing Day match to fill the void.
Surrey's Atkinson improved at the MCG, bagging two scalps with the ball, then making 28 as a batsman being one of only three English batsmen who passed ten runs.
After bowling one over at the end of day one, he returned for the second day's play and had nightwatchman edging to the keeper.
Unfortunately, at the end of his spell, he delivered a change of pace to the batsman and suddenly grabbed his left hamstring.
The English bowler returned to the side for the fourth Ashes Test having missed the Adelaide game.
