Seamer Atkinson Exacerbates England's Injury Problems.

The English seamer further complicated the fitness woes of the England squad when he left the field early on day two in the Melbourne Test versus the Australians.

The pace bowler experienced discomfort in his left leg post-delivery of the fourth over on Saturday.

The touring camp stated Atkinson had experienced "tightness" and required time off the field in order to be assessed "during the day".

The final Test of the tour in Sydney starts on Sunday, 4 January.

The English side has already lost strike bowlers one seamer with a knee problem and another paceman with an abdominal strain on the current trip.

A replacement bowler was called up to provide backup.

Atkinson struggled in the opening two Tests, taking just three wickets.

He was left out of the third Test, before being recalled for the fourth Test to fill the void.

Atkinson performed better in the fourth Test, bagging two scalps during the host's first knock, and scoring 28 runs as a batsman among just a trio of England players who passed ten runs.

Post a single over in Australia's second innings, he returned for the second day's play and removed Scott Boland edging to the keeper.

Yet, at the end of the fifth over, he bowled a slower ball to the batsman and suddenly grabbed at his leg.