Seamer Atkinson Adds to the English team's Injury Concerns.
'Serious blow' for the touring side as Atkinson is forced off with a hamstring injury.
The English seamer increased the fitness woes of the England squad when he left the ground early on day two of the Boxing Day Test in the Ashes series.
The right-arm seamer pulled up with his left hamstring immediately following a delivery in his spell during the morning session.
The England team reported the 27-year-old reported "discomfort" and was to take time off the field for further assessment "over the next few hours".
The final Test of the tour beginning on 4 January gets underway this coming Sunday.
The English side has previously lost strike bowlers one seamer with a knee problem and another paceman because of a side injury during this series.
Matthew Fisher was brought into the squad as injury reinforcement.
Atkinson struggled in the opening two Tests, claiming a mere a handful of scalps.
He was dropped for the Adelaide match, only to be brought back for the fourth Test in the playing XI.
The county bowler improved at the MCG, taking two wickets in Australia's first innings, before adding 28 with the bat being one of only three teammates to reach double figures.
Post a single over in Australia's second innings, he resumed the next day and dismissed the nightwatchman Scott Boland caught behind.
However, on the final ball of that over, he delivered a change of pace to Travis Head and suddenly grabbed at his leg.
The English bowler returned to the side for the fourth Ashes Test following his omission the Adelaide game.
