Fast bowler Atkinson Compounds the English team's Injury Problems.
'Major setback' for the English camp as Atkinson leaves the field due to a hamstring issue.
The pace bowler added to the fitness woes of the England squad upon exiting the playing area during Saturday's play in the Melbourne Test versus the Australians.
Atkinson pulled up with his hamstring post-delivery of the fourth over at the MCG.
Team management indicated Atkinson felt some "soreness" and required time off the field for further assessment "in the coming hours".
The series decider of the series in Sydney begins on Sunday, 4 January.
England have been without fast bowlers one seamer due to knee trouble and Jofra Archer to a side strain on the current trip.
Matthew Fisher was added to the party as injury reinforcement.
Atkinson struggled during the first two matches, managing only a handful of scalps.
He was omitted from the previous Test, then recalled for the fourth Test in the playing XI.
Atkinson performed better in the fourth Test, claiming a couple of wickets with the ball, before adding 28 with the bat being one of only three England players to reach double figures.
Post a single over late on the first day, he resumed for the second day's play and removed Scott Boland Scott Boland caught behind.
Yet, towards the conclusion of the fifth over, he bowled a change of pace to Travis Head and suddenly grabbed for his hamstring.
Atkinson was brought back for the Boxing Day Test after being left out the previous Test.
